Hon. Bamidele Salam, the representative representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore Federal Constituency has stated that talents have been discovered, listed and sponsored in the last four years through the Isiaka Adeleke football competition.
Salam disclosed this during the kickoff of the fourth edition of the competition on Sunday, at the Osogbo City Stadium.
“The competition started four years ago , and along the line we have had a number of talents discovered, listed, sponsored the major leads across the country.
“I remember, during the 3rd edition last year we had about two or so of players that participated here. And they are been enlisted by several clubs, we have also had the opportunity of identifying talents in various wins of the soccer game.
“The football competition has also enhanced the relationship among youths in the federal constituency, because when they come like this in an atmosphere of friendship, love and competition it seems to bond them together and above all keeping alive the memories of the first civilian Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke after whom this competition is named.
” And I want to thank the state football association, the planning committee and every other stakeholders for working together to make this event a success in the last four years.
“I’m looking forward to a very exciting and productive fourth edition of the otunba Isiaka adetunji Adeleke football competition”, he explained.
Salam advised the players to always put in their best throughout the competition.
Salam, however advised the players to always put in their best, and they should be very fair.
” There should not be any foul play, and they must participate in the spirit of oneness, in the spirit healthy competition.
“I encourage them to always strive for the very best, there is no end to excellence, if you’re very good now you can become better, so once they start each competition should be an improvement, of the previous one,up till the final competition that we’re going to be having on the 15th of January 2024.
Chairman of the planning committee, Mr Oladele Bamiji also gave an overview of the football competition, he said ” This is the fourth edition, of the annual otunba Isiaka adetunji Adeleke memorial football competition, which has been holding for four years ago now, today is the kick off for this year’s edition.
“Today we’re having Osogbo local government football team, squaring it up with their Orolu local government counterpart, they’re the one raising the curtain on this year’s edition.
“It’s a knockout football, one team must go out today and another will progress. We are beginning today, and that’s how we do it, till the 15th of January next year.
“Each local government in Osun state is represented by a team and that of area office, so in all we’re having 31 team in the competition. The technical team of the competition will do the features.
Speaking on victory, the Coach of Orolu FC, Oyedokun Funso expressed his excitement as his team won the march against Osogbo FC on 2 to 0.
” I’m so happy, we don’t know we can win, but with the help of God we won the game”, he expressed excitement.
The competition is organized in honour of the first civilian Governor of Osun State, Late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, who is also the elder brother of the incumbent Governor.
