AITEO CUP: WE'RE READY TO MAKE IMPACT -SAKI UNITED COACH, WALCOTT

By Oluseyi Adedire|

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2022 Oyo State Aiteo Cup champions Saki United Head Coach, Iwalewa Qoseem has commended the spirit of his boys after two-nil win over Sokoto Professionals at the Aiteo Cup Rookies playoff. 

Coach Iwalewa popularly known as 'Walcott' told OyoSportsNews about the fortunes after thier feat at the state level, preparations at the ongoing Aiteo Cup and supports from football lovers in Oyo state.

Briefly tell us the feelings after your team emerged winner at the 2022 Oyo state Aiteo Cup?

Just like every other winning Coach, the feelings was lovely, right from the semi final stage where we beat Shooting Stars and final match against Oyo state housing corporation, the feelings and supports from Oke Ogun and it's environs were massive. I was made to understand that our people from Saki were at the Saki stadium (OYSADEP) with their phones as they watch the match live on Facebook; so the feelings right from our camp in Ibadan to Saki were massive, unbelievable and they gave us a rousing welcome. Victory is sweet, in fact, those who never gave the team a chance rallied behind us and we had a good reception from individuals and local government chairmen.

What were the preparations you had before your first match against Sokoto Professionals?

We played some friendlies few weeks after the state final. We played six friendly matches. We even traveled to Oyo town for a friendly match - though we drew one-all. We also lost to a team in Ibadan but we won four out of six friendlies. The technical crew were able to restructure the team for bigger competition and work on technical areas. I think this has really helped us.

Saki United Head Coach Iwalewa Kazeem and club general manager Ajuwon Ibraheem

Your journey to Minna, Niger state last Saturday was certainly your first outing outside South West, Nigeria. Tell us your experience?

We left on Saturday because we knew the our match against Sokoto Professionals was on Monday. The distance is very far, it was a good experience for the players and coaches considering the number of states we passed through before our final destination. We were eager to know more states and get to see new things within Nigeria but I told my players not to loose focus and get carried away. We got to Minna late in the night and had a day rest ahead Monday match.

Your victory over Sokoto Professionals was a surprise and big relief, how did it happen?

Honestly, Shooting Stars gave us the confidence ahead of this match, Saki United have played against Shooting Stars at the IFA league and friendlies more than eight different times, we've never won until the semi final of the state Aiteo Cup when history was made; so, after we won via penalties, this gave us confidence that any team is beatable, even Rivers United or Enyimba.

We didn't really start well against Sokoto Professionals, they gained more possession in the first fifteen minutes and I think fatigue affected us, immediately we settled down well, we started to execute our game plan, - that gave us two goals before halftime and we won.

What should the good people of Oyo state expect on Sunday when you lock horns with Katsina United?

We aren't under pressure as I said. In fact, we are fully ready, focused and determined to make impact in this year edition. This is out first appearance at the Aiteo Cup and we want to make history as people believed we are underdogs.

There were media reports that your team might quit due to financial incapability. How are you coping?

Big thanks to Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde, the commissioner for youths and sports Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Oyo State Football Association, Ibadan Football Association, football stakeholders in Oyo state, sons and daughters from Saki town, local government chairmen, state and federal honourables and individuals most especially in Oke Ogun. We've received supports from Ibadan Football Association (#50,000.00), Engr. Sarafadeen Omirinde (#300,000.00), Hon Woke Akinleye (#200,000.00), Hon. Olajide Olatunbosun (#200,000.00), Hon. Kareem Abisodun (#100,000.00), Hon Shittu Ibraheem (#100,000.00) and Hon. Okedoyin Femi Julius (50,000.00). I strongly believe our good people from Oke Ogun will do more.

Before I let you go, give us brief history of Saki United?

The club was founded in 1997/98 by my humble self, Mr. Ajuwon Ibraheem (general manager), Mr. Babalola Liadi and Mr. Lukman Ilori. The name of the club then was AC Milan but in 2013 when we had plan to participate at the state Federation Cup, we jointly agreed to change the name to Saki United because it will be good to project our town; In 2013, Mr Mutawakil Tunde Nesco, Alhaji Mutawakil Mojinni and Alhaji Muhammad Bata were part of rebuilding process and to God be the glory, Saki United have come to rub shoulders with others league clubs in the country by virtue of Aiteo Cup. 

Thanks for your time and we wish you all the best on Sunday when you play Katsina United!

You are welcome OyoSportsNews, and big thanks to you, on behalf of Saki United, we appreciate your media support at this particular time. God bless you.