• To watch 3SC/Sunshine clash tomorrow
Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has assured of increased funding to sports in the state, especially promising that facilities at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, will be given a facelift.
Ajimobi gave these assurances when he visited players, the coaching crew and management of Shooting Stars Sports Club, at the stadium, on Friday, during a training session.
Noting that he was encouraged by the recent performances of 3SC and Crown FC, Ogbomoso, he avowed dedicated financial and moral support, more than ever before.
To show commitment to this renewed resolve, Ajimobi said he would be present at the stadium tomorrow, when 3SC hosts Sunshine Stars of Akure in a match day 29 fixture of the Nigeria Premier League.
“We are encouraged by their recent performances and there is the need to encourage them, not only financially, but also by visitations. I will be visiting them to cheer them up, to give them the necessary support, from time to time.
“I think the more we are able to encourage sports and sporting activities, it has a multiplier effect of providing avenue for our youths to develop themselves, mentally, physically and with their recent performances, they deserve nothing less.
“We’ll restructure them, we’ll give them financial support, we’ll ensure that the infrastructural facilities are improved upon. The tartan tracks here are not okay and we will change them in the next couple of weeks,” Ajimobi said.
In his remarks, General Manager of 3SC, Mr Rasheed Balogun pleaded with all lovers of 3SC to be calm as he assured them that the club would not be relegated at the end of the season.
“The people of Oyo State know that victory will be ours (against Sunshine). We know what is at stake. It is a derby but all we aim at is getting three points. By the grace of God, we will avoid relegation,” Balogun said.
Coach of the team, Mr Gbenga Ogunbote described the governor’s visit as a morale booster to the players, adding that the governor’s presence at stadium on Sunday (tomorrow) would also spur the players to give their best.