Coach Anistar Izuikem on Wednesday called on football coaches in the country to always give talented players at the grassroots chance to prove themselves at top level football competitions in the country.
Izuikem made the call in a interview in Enugu.
“Nigerian coaches should learn to always give chance to talented players at the grassroots to prove themselves,” he said.
Izuikem, whose team, Coal City FC, recently got promoted into the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL), said that modern football only required intelligence and stamina and not size or height.
NAN reports that the Coal City FC overpowered Leopard FC of Calabar 3-2 in their promotion match to the NNL.
He explained that he made use of talents from the grassroots to take his team through to the NNL and will always do that for the Youth.
According to him, “we recruited from grassroots and state league teams from Enugu and nearby state but Starplus Youths FC gave us most players.
“We recruited up to 13 players from the club and players from other teams because we knew there are top talents at the grassroots level.
“Let us give more grassroots talents the chance to show what they can do at the top level,” he said.
He attributed the team’s success to hard work and massive support from the club management.
Izuikem expressed the hope that the team will sustain its progress with assistance of the management.
“Gaining promotion is one thing but the task gets bigger, just like other competitions we will be ready when the league starts,” Izuikem said.
He thanks the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chukwuemeka Agu, who birthed this idea of giving back to his community through youth football development.
The coach appreciated the CEO’s great passion and desire for the Sport which has given the Youth opportunity to achieve their targets.
Izuikem said “our promotion is a big plus for Enugu State as that will give more players the chance to play professional football and develop more young talents in the state, as well as take Youth off the streets.
