ARS tourney has showcased our efforts, say coaches

DESPITE their teams not progressing beyond the semi-finals of the Ibadan zonal championship of the ongoing Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) U-17 male and female U-17 tournament, coaches from Oyo and Ekiti states have expressed satisfaction with the performances of their wards.Speaking shortly after his male team lost 3-4 to Ekiti on penalties following a barren draw at regulation time, Oyo State's male team coach, Yinka Popoola, said his efforts had not gone wasted despite the loss.'Like every other coach, I wanted to play in the finals in Lagos, but this is not so anymore. However, I want to say I have no regrets considering the objectives of the competition, which are to discover and develop raw talents from the grassroots,' he said. 'This has been achieved. Some of my boys that were outstanding have been selected for the Lagos finals. I don't feel bad at all.'Also speaking in a similar vein, Olofinboba M.Oluyemi of Ekiti, whose team lost by a lone strike to Ondo, expressed delight at the opportunity given the girls to showcase their talents. Also, coach Idris Bola, whose team lost the final match 0-1 to Osun in the male category, said he was satisfied with the outcome of events.The Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Tourney is designed to provide support for the development of football talents across its African market. It aims at discovering talented students of secondary school age (male and female) and providing them the opportunity to gain football skills and develop into renowned stars.
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