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Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Rangers’ finest hour

By Daily Sports on February 15, 2016

Writing about this legendary football club of all times Rangers International FC remains an uphill task because of what it represents in it locality’s history. It is the personification of the never-say-die spirit of the South-East, our strength and ability to be one’s self at all times. The team has never disappointed.

In short, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu symbolises the resilient spirit of Ndigbo and rallying point of our unity. This great FC tells what Igbos stood for and, make no mistake about it, the football team is an embodiment of strength in character. People that knew why the formation in the first place and where this monument is coming from would readily understand what my executive summary narration on Rangers International is all about.

The team, which was formed shortly after the civil war, has lived up to its billing, bringing out the best traditions and exemplifying what its formidable founding fathers had in mind in setting it up.

True, the team means different things to different people; however, to the core, it is one football club that has maintained its name and flying our flag higher. Many great administrators and players of repute have passed through our Rangers.

Let me make it clear that I won’t dwell here on how Rangers was founded but will rather focus exclusively on the new attention the team has started to enjoy from the government of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, who has ensured that the experienced hands were injected into the new blood that has formed the management of our heritage, Rangers. Reports have it that the spirit in the camp of the side has been at an all-time high, a sign that deserted them for a very long time since the Second Republic era of Jim Nwobodo.

Let me sound here that I met the Governor once, and that was during his first term at the House of Representatives. It was what I will call a chance meeting. When we shook hands and l later listened to him, he impressed me, not his good looks but his intellectual output in that Assembly. He was disarmingly unassuming. He is not one to boast; little wonder he knew what his state, the youths and the young ones want. He has started well by arming Rangers International FC, which is a mass movement. He has also given the young ones the chance to be in the team’s management and my vehement belief is that these people won’t disappoint. I knew that he would one day govern Enugu State. I never knew it would come this soon.

Let me be honest with you that the Governor is carrying lots of burdens on his shoulders as it concerns Rangers. What he started this season may not readily yield the desired fruits when the season’s curtain draws, but this Reporter would advocate patience and focus on the part of His Excellency as the result would begin to manifest if there will be total commitment in meeting the obligations to the players, coaches and sundry as at when due.

Getting Rangers on the wings again no doubt looks like an uphill task but the people in the technical crew and management presently would put in their best. Rangers has large image and a mere mentioning of the oldie has lots of airs around it. It has been a plus for the team. It must be said loud and clear that the tem remains the most consistent among its peers from the 1970’s as it has spectacularly remained in the country’s elite division without tasting relegation to the lower cadre. It holds that enviable record in the history of Nigerian League till date.

The other burden on His Excellency’s shoulder and one that he inherited in the oldest FC in the Nigerian League is for him to institute Rangers International Hall of Fame. A Committee comprising principled individuals should be saddled with the responsibility to fish out ex- Rangers players, dead or alive, that would be honoured into this reverend class of great history making.

The Chairmen of the very astute team won’t be left out, including Patrons, Madam Rangers, the Uloenus of this world that made Rangers tick, if you like; larger than life. Among Rangers Chairmen, the names of Senator Jim Nwobodo and late Eze BSC Nzenwa readily kept recurring like a decimal. These two men put in their best for the service of Rangers International purely as our respectable inheritance.

His Excellency should kindly consider instituting the Rangers Hall of Fame which, of course, is longer over due. A well entrenched Committee peopled with men and women of very high integrity should come on stream immediately. Governor Ugwuanyi should involve his brother Governors of the old Eastern Nigeria because there are Rangers in their respective states. Let me recall that ‘Chief Justice’ Adokie Amaesiemeka was the first non-Igbo to play for this unique team.

The first-rate thoughts of Governor Ugwuanyi on Rangers must be sustained to the high heavens until we see Rangers FC re-born. The will is there. The people the governor has entrusted the task must not disappoint. Rangers must rebound in a big way. To be honest with you, this could easily and safely said to be the finest hour for Rangers Int’l FC.

It is my team right from my days as a student of the very prestigious Government College Umuahia, from the mid-1970’s to early 1980’s – even during my university days till today the team is in my mind all the time. This honest demonstration and revolution that would get our Rangers back to a sound footing by His Excellency, the Right Honourable Gov. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, gladdens many Rangers fans’ heart. It not only a giant step in right direction but also shows the glimmer of hope that our inheritance is on the road back to its glory.

While Sports Pulse and its numerous readers wish the Governor all the best in his avowed thoughts on Rangers, the fans nationwide – nay, worldwide – are keenly watching with great interest and passion! Up Rangers!!!

•Enyinnaya can be reached via 08055068145 (sms only) or by e-mail via sportzvictor@yahoo.com.au

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 15, 2016