AHEAD NPFL NEW SEASON: MASSIVE CLEAR OUT LIKELY IN SHOOTING STARS

• Management, supporters differ on coaches, players

• Oyo FA in the dark

• Stakeholders want government intervention

|By Oluseyi Adedire|

Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews | FB: Oyo Sports Update

In its bid for a decent outing in during the next football season, Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC is preparing for a massive re-organization within its hierarchies as to prevent the re- occurrence of fighting relegation which characterized the just concluded season.

The Oluyole Warriors had to wait for the result between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United to escape the drop with just goals difference ahead of Katsina United.

OyoSportsNews can authoritatively report to you that, the club management under the leadership of Hon Babatunde Olaniyan would not want to leave anything to chances by clearing out some of the 'surplus to requirements' players.

About 45 players were on the payroll of the club last season but the Chairman is believing that the number should be pruned this time.

Although, the step seems right but options differ within the club that the status should remain.

However, let's bring you the review of last season...

NPFL22 REVIEW

After matchday 38, Shooting Stars finally escaped relegation with 48points [16th position]. The Oluyole Warriors had 13 clean sheets with 12 wins, 12 draws and 14 losses. Thier struggles began at home against Akwa United on matchday two when they were held to one-all draw, despite picking seven points on the road, 3SC dropped 16 points at home as a result of eight home draws. Thier best position on the log was 6th after matchday 12. These lackluster records were results of poor recruitment program, sudden demise of the club general manager [Rasheed Balogun], appointment of new club chiarman, fans violence and internal crisis within major stakeholders. After many reconciliation meetings, stakeholders were appealed to savage the club from relegation and Shooting Stars survived.

SHOOTING STARS MANAGEMENT

As a club administrator, Hon Olaniyan Babatunde popularly known as 'Akoro' may be regarded as a 'learner' but when it comes to football particularly in Nigeria, he has paid his dues as retired referee.

However, being a retired football referee doesn't make you a professional, versatile, diligent, smart, sole administrator or club chairman.

OyoSportsNews gathered that Hon Babatunde Olaniyan who should be the link between the club and the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde is finding life uneasy, he has been reportedly shut out by the governor's security personnel and top officials at the state house while his appointment is to likely to be reviewed.

OyoSportsNews further gathered that Hon Babatunde Olaniyan and the Director for Administration and Supply, Alhaji Rahman Olapade have been running the club without the consent of other club officials and stakeholders. This, has generated to internal crisis as the club chairman is likely to conduct interview, appoint and announce new head coach and backroom staff single handedly.

TECHNICAL CREW

No doubt, Edith Agoye and his entire technical crew have disappointed supporters, fans, stakeholders and the state government following the final position of Shooting Stars on the log. The dark skinned gaffer may have some justification but he had a hundred percent free hand at the recruitment program and team selection.

According to sources within the club, Agoye's contract is yet to be extended and has been advised to re-apply with other interested coaches in the Nigeria league.

Our investigation revealed further that at least four out of six technical staff would be shown the exit door before August 10 while new soccer tactician that will thinker the club ahead Nigeria Professional Football League 2022/23 will be officially announced and unveiled.

OYO STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The Oyo state football association under the chairmanship of Oba James Ọdẹníran is the chief host of any football activities in Oyo state and can approve or disapprove any football related on request. The state football association has the responsibilities to host match officials, conduct pre-match meeting, etc.

The state football association must be respected, pampered and informed as and when due. There must be synergy between any football club and the state FA regardless of the club financier.

SUPPORTERS CLUB

There is only one supporters club [Shooting Stars Supporters Club]. One of the founding members was

Late Ganiyu Layiwola Elekuru also called Baba Eleran. Over the years, the only recognized supporters club has been hijacked by the General Supporters Club and Integrity fans club.

However, the club officially recognized the General Supporters Club under Oluwafemi Oyeniyi while other groups have been admonished to cooperate and work together for a particular goal.

OyoSportsNews gathered that these groups have lost interest in Edith Agoye's led technical crew while thier choices differ.

GOVERNMENT

"He who pays the piper; dictates that tune" To many stakeholders, media, fans and supporters at the concluded season, - the state government under Engr Seyi Makinde has reportedly decided to spend the cash without proper monitoring and audit the club activities over the years, it had been a kick and follow system.

At the tail end of last season when there is need for the state government to intervene and rescue the club from relegation, OyoSportsNews gathered that the club chairman were denied access to meet and see the governor.

As the new season is fast approaching, the state government is yet decide the fate of Shooting Stars in areas of monthly grant, proper restructuring, staffing and many more.

WHAT NEXT?