DFA CHAIRMANSHIP RACE: DEVELOPING YOUTH FOOTBALL IS MY PRIORITY IF GIVEN THE MANDATE
OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO/GODWIN AYOBAMI RACHEL
As the race for the chairmanship position of the Delta Football Association (DFA)hots up, Kenneth Nwaomucha, a major contender for the position has said that his priority would be the development of youth football in the state to serve as feeder for senior and national football teams.
Addressing Sports Writers in Warri, Nwaomucha also disclosed that he would go extra mile to reposition Delta State football teams to at least win a slot to play in continental tournament.
Nwaomucha, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said he was gunning for the position to improve on developing the game of football in the state and move it to the next level.
Nwaomucha who is also Chairman, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) Delta State chapter said that he believes in grassroot football development to discover talents talents that would be groomed.
According to Nwaomucha, “as Chairman of Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria(Y. S. F. O. N),Delta chapter in 2010, I registered 62 academy youth football teams in Delta from which a lot of the players have grown to play at some of our National Premier League clubs and National teams.
If given the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Delta Football Assocition (D. F. A), I will improve on my past achievement as YSFON Chairman to ensure that talents so far discovered would be harnessed to fullest. If I assume the mantle of leadership of the Football Assocition, I will improve upon the achievements of my predecessors to create a new record that would be difficult to beat by my successors.”
The ex Flying Eagles U-20 player and former NPA FC, NNPC FC and Flash flamingoes FC attacking midfielder added that Delta Football Association(D.F.A) under his leadership will ensure that those teams that have not been affiliated to the body will be affiliated as the Association’s management will focus more on youth teams.”
He spoke further, “Warri Wolves for instance are known for producing young players. Like Super Eagles player Oghenekaro Etebor came to limelight under my leadership as chairman of the club, so we are going to improve on that to bring more of our players to global limelight”.
He added, “we will also fortify our senior teams like the Warri Wolves and other clubs owned by individuals in the state through the products from the youth teams. This will help us to avoid depending on players from other states to strengthen our clubs.”
Nwaomucha said that he would operate an open door policy where everyone would be given equal opportunity to make contributions.
Responding to a question, on the zoning formula of the leadership of the Football body, Nwaomucha said “Political understanding is better than written agreement. It is the turn of Delta North to complete their eight years before it goes to another Senatorial District”.
He went on to say “If you are closer to the people, you will know more about them. With my closeness to the people including the footballers and media in Delta, I assure everyone that there will be tremendous improvement when I come on board as Chairman of the D. F. A.”
Nwaomucha who is the oldest serving member on the board of Delta Football Assoction and have served in various capacity in various clubs in the state like Warri wolves, Delta United and Delta force, however dismissed insinuations that there was a faction in the State FA.
