2023/2024 NPFL: Ondo Commissioner of Sports, Saka promises improved welfare for technical crew, players, of troubled Sunshine Stars FC

Posted : 07 May 2024

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The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has promised to improve the welfare of players and backroom staff to enhance productivity.

Yusuf-Ogunleye made the assertion when he met with players, the technical crew, and backroom staff of Sunshine Stars FC at the games village on Oda Road, Akure.

The commissioner opined that it was important to meet with the team and address challenges while offering immediate solutions geared toward achieving desired results.

He commended the players for their excellent performances against Shooting Stars FC in Ibadan but cautioned against complacency in defense during their subsequent matches.

"Insubordination and indiscipline have brought us to this level despite having some quality players in our team; an end has come to that," he said.

Yusuf-Ogunleye also stated that he would address issues of fake registrations, betting, and other matters that have negatively affected the team.

"The challenges will be addressed, and acts of insubordination and indiscipline will be a thing of the past.

"Moreover, let me quickly inform you all that I will increase your match bonus, feeding allowance will also be increased, and other entitlements will improve," he said.

The commissioner directed that electricity should be restored at the team's camp and banned players from using motorcycles to training sessions.

"It's shocking to hear you players talk about the bad state of your hostel. From this moment, it will be conducive, electricity will be restored from today, and please let me notify everyone here, an end has come to players taking bikes to training sessions; you are professionals, and it's time to treat you as real professionals," he added.

On issues raised by some players about being abandoned when injured in the line of duty and bills for their treatment not being attended to by team officials, the commissioner said it was pathetic to hear such and gave direct approval for the payment of all medical bills of injured players.

"Please let it be on record that no player should be allowed to treat himself with his money after sustaining an injury, and from today, there will be an improvement in the medical team in terms of finances," he added.

Saka Yusuf approved the release of funds for the purchase of drugs for the medical team of the agency.

Regarding the issue of money not released to backroom staff for keeping players' jerseys clean as authorized by management, he ordered immediate approval for such payments to be made directly into the account of the responsible staff.

The commissioner directed the immediate repair of vehicles by Thursday.

Furthermore, he instructed the coaches to submit a list of regular players, promising to reduce the number of players from 52 to a reasonable size.

He urged players labeled "Political" to leave the club as Sunshine Stars FC is not a political secretariat and emphasized that politics should not be prioritized over results.

He stated that the football agency is not a charity home and noted that poor management has led to the challenges faced, but they will be overcome.

The commissioner also set up a committee to examine the scouting and transfer of players in the U-17 team.

He advised those redeployed to the U-17 team and Sunshine Queens to resume, saying, "change is the only constant thing."

2023/2024 NPFL: Ondo Commissioner of Sports, Saka promises improved welfare for technical crew, players, of troubled Sunshine Stars FC

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