Ex-United Chief Wants Local League In Bayelsa

A former team manager of Pro-league side, Bayelsa United, Edisemi Ere has called for functional league in Bayelsa State to harness the numerous football talents in the area.

Ere, who spoke with Tidesports early in the week said that the state has abundance of football talents which can not be absolved by the two state-owned teams, Ocean Boys FC and Bayelsa United FC.

Ere, who is also the secretary of Altstars International Yenagoa said he had decided to contest for the chairmanship of the state Football Association to correct some of the anomaly he had noticed in football administration in the state.

Speaking on his cardinal programmes, the football enthusiast outlined the need for a grassroots development programme from the primary schools.

According to him, “in our days there was a clear grassroots football development programme right from the primary schools to  identify talents who are then encouraged and nurtured to higher performance. I want to revive this.

“Besides, there should be yearly competitions like the Bayelsa State league. There are so many players who are roaming about because they can not be absolved by the state owned teams. But with regular competitions they would be kept busy and nurture their talents’, he said.

Ere, therefore, called on football stakeholders and fans to give him the support to redirect football administration and assist in giving youths in the sate opportunities to excel in football.

Akonte Promise