Sports
Director Harps On Grassroots Footballers Discovery
The Jigawa Sports
Council has said it had discovered 15 talented footballers from its grassroots competitions.
The Director of Sports, Alhaji Gambo Labbo, made disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
He said that the players were identified from football competitions organised for clubs in the state.
Labbo explained that the council, in partnership with the state government had been involved in the organisation of football competitions.
The sports director named the tournaments to include the Jigawa Football League and Lamido’s Cup.
According to him, the competitions have been going on in the last seven years.
“Apart from organising the completions to promote the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, it is also aimed at discovering talented players from the grassroots.
“There were a lot of talented players in the state who began and ended their football careers at the grassroots without being discovered,’’ he noted.
Labbo also said that in an effort to make football a profession in the state, the council in collaboration with state government decided to organise the competitions.
He stated that the gesture was to identity and help such players to build career in football.
The director added that the 15 identified players would be registered with Jigawa Golden Stars FC so as to groom them into professionals.
According to him, the players will also enjoy monthly allowance.
“I am optimistic that our players can get senior clubs nationally and internationally and become gainfully employed,” Labbo said.