By Daily Sports on September 7, 2017

There is renewed optimism in the air on sports development in Edo State. The immediate past administration of Adams Oshiomhole was widely regarded to have put emphasis on grassroots football in the back burner of its focus as other monumental infrastructural, administrative and political challenges equally begged for serious attention.

The new Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has on several occasions before and immediately after assuming the mantle of leadership in the state pledged the revival of sports and football in particular. The proof of his seriousness in this regard can be glimpsed.

The Governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, have sprung into action to resuscitate the ailing national division 1 football club, Bendel Insurance. Money is now being pumped into the club, salaries of players and officials are coming as and when due while the Governor and Deputy are regularly present to cheer the team at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during their home games in the league. This was what Oshiomhole never did.

The revival of football has also extended to the grassroots level in the form of more sponsorship of grassroots football events. The recently concluded Edo State League was spiced up in the final day as the Governor and the Deputy Governor made their presence felt at the Ogbemudia stadium to the surprise and excitement of the fans.

The state league closing day game was between Ine Stars and Royal Force, both Benin City based grassroots clubs. Ine pipped Royal Force by a lone goal in an entertaining encounter, but there was one player who shone brightly on the losing side, like he did throughout the competition, Harrison Kelechi.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder drew out wows from the fans with his dexterity on the ball, making good on and off the ball runs and spraying passes with great perception all through the game. It was no surprise when after the game he was named Most Valuable Player of the league, and was presented with the Golden Boot and a handsome cash gift by the Deputy Governor, Shaibu.

Kelechi was delighted to have the award presented to him by such a high-ranking personality and feels this attention shown to grassroots football is a tonic to better things for him.

“Being presented the award by the Deputy Governor of Edo State is such an honour I will not forget in a hurry. It was really a special feelings at that moment. This award will spur me on to greater things in my career,” Kelechi says.

The young lad has had a taste of professional football in the recent past. Two years ago, as a young 16-year-old he was snapped up by Warri Wolves who were then in the Nigeria premier league. Wolves had come on a playing tour to Benin City and were playing a friendly against Insurance and were surprised by the speed and technical brilliance of Kelechi who was trialling at Insurance. Immediately after the game, Wolves ran the rules over the player and off he went to Warri.

Unfortunately, the internal turbulence that rocked Warri Wolves that season meant they would be relegated from the top flight of Nigerian football and young Kelechi felt the pain of watching a club go down to the utter misery and desolation of their fans. He describes that period as the “worst memory of my career.”

However, Kelechi had some brilliant games with Warri Wolves, distinguishing himself in games he was selected to play. One particular match stands out in the gallery of his mind. It was a home fixture against Kano Pillars, in his debut appearance, and he ran the show in the Wolves midfield in a masterful way, befuddling Pillars defenders with deft touches, showing them the ball, almost teasing them to come and get it, and then switching play with long accurate diagonals. Kelechi smiles and says that was his best game that season.

The following year, he signed a short deal with Ikorodu United of Lagos in the Premier league. There, he played brilliantly as well till his contract ran down.

Now Kelechi is taking his time to reflect on his next professional career choice and has used the state league as a tune up for what hopefully would be better things to come.

He reflects on his time in the premier league and hopes the experience would favour him in the near future.

“It was really great having my first thirst of professional football with Warri Wolves Football Club in the Nigeria premier league. I had great moments with experienced players and national team players. Notable among them were, Dele Ajiboye, King Osanga, Joe Ehimofe, Monday Osagie, e.t.c. When I went to Ikorodu United, it was another ball game entirely. I met another set of great lads who were hungry for success. I also had great experience there,” Kelechi says.

For now, Kelechi is showing great humility in accepting the challenge of grassroots football once again and has proved his value at the Edo State League.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 7, 2017

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