As the Old Port Harcourt- Borikiri Street Football competition tagged Amaechi Cup and sponsored by the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, gathers steam, commendations have continued to come its way.

The latest came from ex-Sharks FC’s player, Inigbelamie Fubara.

Fubara described the tournament as a welcome development, especially as it concerns grassroots sports development and promotion.

The ex-Sharks player made the commendation in an interview with Tidesports, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the competition would not only discover talents and promote sports, it would also boost economic activities in the area.

“I am very happy with the competition, because our youths will be engaged and talents would be discovered to play for either Sharks or Dolphins FCs.

“Our governor really thought well to sponsor such a competition. The prize money, though is big, should not really be an issue, the main issue is that there is peace in the area now,” Fubara said.

He explained that he started from the grassroots, before playing for Sharks.

“My brother I was also discovered through this type of tournament, that is why I commend the governor for this competition.

“We have abundant talents in the state that have been rusting away,” he added.

Fubara used the forum to advise the players to put in their best and eschew violence during and after the competition to enable the tournament achieve its purpose.

“I want to advise the youths, particularly players in the competition to avoid troubles within and outside the pitch so that the tournament can achieve the purpose it was designed to achieve,” he stated.

In matches decided yesterday on Day Six of the competition, Harold Wilson Street lost by a lone goal to Barham, Nembe Street beat Isaka Street 2-0 and Stadium Road overcame Enugu 4-2.

The competition enters Day Seven today with three matches. The first game will be the second round games with Rex Lawson Street taking on Harbour Road and Niger Street contesting with Ndoni.

Tonye Orabere