Following Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt’s inability to successfully defend their Nigerian Premier League  title, the technical adviser of the club, Stanley Eguma, has attributed their failure to the non-payment of players entitlements by their sponsors.

He also stated that the poor condition of the club’s camp contributed immensely to the club’s unimpressive performance this season.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Eguma described the just concluded season as  “one of the worst seasons, I have experienced, we all know that money and good environment are the most motivating factors for players, but nothing actually worked or went smoothly”.

He said that apart from the players not being paid their sign on fees and bonuses, the camp where they stayed lacked water and electricity and their morale was drastically affected.

‘You can imagine where players go out of camp to look for water to bath, the camp was also infested with mosquitoes which exposed the players to sickness.

“We expected that monies owed would come earlier which would have motivated them and it did not come as anticipated.

‘I observed that my players’ morale was very low because they harboured fears of the unknown after the league must have ended’, said the TA.

But in apparent reaction toto Eguma’s claims, the acting General Manager of the club, Mr Dumbo Awanem told sports writers that reforms would be carried in the club to ensure better outing next football season.

The reforms, according to him, has became necessary in order to get a focused team that would deliver. He said the Rivers Government, sponsors of the team, never compromised on the welfare of the team.

He said critics, who blamed Dolphins poor outing in the just concluded season on welfare should, have a re-think.

“Funds for sign on fees and match bonuses are on the way and would be paid 100 per cent as tradition.

“To the credit of the Sports Commissioner Fred Igwe shortly on assumption into office, all players and officials were paid their complete sign on fees and match bonuses being owed from the previous administration.

“I see no reason why this time would be different,” he said.

He said Gov. Chibuike Amaechi personally handed cars and cash to players and officials for winning the 2010/2011 league season.

“This alone should be a stream of inspiration that the Sports Ministry always keeps to its words. I see no reason why welfare and motivation should be excuses for failing to sustain success.

“The truth is there was a lot of divided attention at the technical crew level.

He also thanked the sponsors and fans for standing by the club while assuring that next session would be an improved outing.

Tonye Orabere