Sequel to calls by some people for the Management of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to review the performance of coach Gbenga Ogunbote, the management has thrown its weight behind the widely-traveled gaffer.
Reacting to the questioning of the experienced handler's technical abilities, the management, in a statement, said Coach Ogunbote remains one of the best tacticians in the country.
"We want to state unequivocally that we are solidly behind Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, whose appointment was basically based on his track record as far as coaching is concerned in Nigeria.
"Over the years, Coach Ogunbote has handled notable clubs in the country, and he has also recorded indelible achievements with almost all the clubs.
"Going through his records, you will agree that the soft-spoken, hardworking sweat merchant has paid his dues in the handling of teams in the Nigerian league.
"On two occasions, before his third coming here, Ogunbote had been here previously on rescue missions, which he carried out successfully.
"When he handled Sunshine Stars, it is on record that he took the team to the semi-final stage of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup in 2010 and 2011, having led the Akure gunners to pick continental slots while the team.
"Ogunbote had performed a similar feat with the defunct Sharks of Port Harcourt, which he saved from going on relegation some years back.
"In 2018, Ogunbote led Rangers International of Enugu to lift the Federation Cup in an astonishing manner, thus qualifying the team for a continental tourney after years of such feats.
"Two seasons ago, before he was appointed the head coach of our darling team, the former Lobi Stars coach shocked bookmakers by guiding Remo Stars FC to a third-place finish in the NFL and ultimately ensuring the Sky Blue Stars book a continental slot for the first time in their history.
"Our decision to appoint him as the gaffer was not borne out of sentiment but on the fact that his antecedents speak volumes.
"In the ongoing season, the coach has continued to put in his best to ensure we get the desired result, and so far so good, we are satisfied with his efforts.
"As of Week 22 of the ongoing season, nine points separate us and the team topping the table, and with 16 matches left to be played, we are optimistic that our goal is still realistic. Hence, our resolve to back the sweat merchant to continue with his job.
"At this point, we want to appeal to all our supporters, fans, and stakeholders in general to please give the management and the Gbenga Ogunbote led coaching crew more support, as we are all committed to ensuring that the ultimate goal set this season is realized.
"Any move that could cause distractions to the team should be avoided; instead, all hands must be on deck. We should join hands together to make it happen."
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