Head coach, First Deep Water Basketball Club, Lateef
Erinfolami,  has urged the authorities to
look inwards for the selection of players to represent the country in
international competitions.

Erinfolami
made the remark during an interview with the Tidesports in Lagos, as his
team commenced preparation for the new season.

“We
need the authorities to give due consideration to home-based professional
players when they are selecting players for the national team,’’ he said.

Erinfolami
commended the opportunity given to the country’s home-based footballers in the
Super Eagles squad that is currently in South Africa for the on-going AFCON
tournament.

He
added that the gesture would encourage other players to work hard, in
anticipation of an invitation to the national squad in the nearest future.

“There
are players who can make the country proud if only they are allowed to show
what they have.

“The
dependence on foreign professionals for our international engagements will
continue to hinder the growth of the game at home.

“When
you take a look at Steven Keshi’s AFCON squad, some home based players were
part of the team.

“Therefore,
such an arrangement should be available for basketball, especially female
basketball that needs to grow in the country.

“We
have to give our local players the chance to grow; by this we encourage true
patriotism which is the foundation of true champions,’’ he said.

Erinfolami
who commented on his team’s expectations in the forthcoming season said that it
would strive to retain the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title.

“We
have already commenced our training ahead of the upcoming season and we are
hopeful of another good outing.

“All
hands are on deck for us to ensure that we retain the title that we have
continuously won in the last three seasons.

“However,
this year, we are looking forward to conquering the continent. This is our
major objective,’’ he added.