The General Manager of SGFC Athletics, Olatoye Olawole has heaped praises on the organizers of the Jagaban Cup for the superb organization of the tournament.
He spoke shortly after his side came from a goal down to beat Dino SC in the dying moments of day two’s last game, thanks to Ayodeji Abayomi’s winner.
“Excellent. Eight teams and I can say they’ve given a lot of football. In my own summary, this is a tournament of the best four teams in Lagos State and the best four teams in Ogun State. It is a showcase of South West football clubs and most importantly, private owned teams because it is a lot when you invest and this is the only platform you have to showcase your players. It is like a market. After preparing your product, you have to take them to the market.
So this is one of the best markets we can see in Nigerian football at grassroots level. Organization is top notch. We give it to them and hope it will continue to be sustainable. Hajji Gafar is an awesome and wonderful man, he has been consistent with everything he has been doing so the tournament is super standard and we are excited. Kudos to them, this is perfect organization.”
Mr Olatoye said his team were not surprised with their invitation to the tournament. The Chief Organizer, Alhaji Liameed Gafar had earlier on Monday told pressmen that he personally scouted the teams to play in the tournament for the sake of quality. The elated Olatoye said his side has justified their inclusion in the tournament with what they have displayed so far.
“We were not surprised. In recent times, SGFC have been in the public space. We are one of the most highly rated teams. Remember, two years ago, we qualified for the NNL playoffs, we represented Kwara zone and since then we have been doing a lot of work and we have been able to move one or two players.
We merit the invitation to the Jagaban Cup and everyone can see it. We are not a pushover team. We have products who can become superstars. I thank the organizers for remembering us and extending the invitation to us and I feel by now, we have been able to justify our inclusion in Jagaban Cup.”
The tournament continues on Wednesday at the same at Legacy Pitch in Surulere on Wednesday at 7am.