Edo State Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Mika Amanokha, has told the coaching crew and players of Bendel Insurance FC that qualification of the club to the elite division was not negotiable.
The commissioner stated this at an interactive session with the players and coaching crew shortly before their training session at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday in Benin.
Amanokha expressed concern over the losing streak of the club in recent matches and said the team must win its next three matches.
According to him, the team has failed to reciprocate the state government commitment to the players’ welfare and training facilities by winning matches.
Amanokha said the situation was unacceptable and warned that the team must shape up or face the wrath of the government.
“I really do not know what is happening but whatever it is, we need to deal with it and start winning matches.
“I can’t really understand why the club was winning matches when it had issues of welfare and other problems, but can’t win any match now that salaries, bonuses and better players have been settled.
“It is for this reason that I’m here, not to talk to you but for us to interact to know what the problem is and for us to deal with it together.
“To me, your future does not lie with Insurance FC alone; you are playing for a better future beyond Insurance; you are playing to be spotted by bigger clubs even outside the continent.
“It is for this reason that am mandating you to ensure that you win your next three matches unfailingly,” he said.
Amanokha also informed the players of the government’s intention to restructure the club.
According to him, the restructuring is that those who are not adding value to the club will be excused.
“It is for that reason that I want to know the number of players and their role in the team, so also the members of the coaching crew and their roles.
“This is very important because Insurance is not a charitable organisation.”
Tidesports source gathered that some of the players who spoke, said though there were issues among the players, the problem had been resolved, and assured that they would work for the club’s success.