Ahead of Kwara United CAF Confederation Cup match, the Acting Provost of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Dr. Ahmed Ayinla Agaka has urged the team to go for the trophy in the tournament.
Agaka made the call yesterday in his office while fielding questions from Journalists as part of his activities marking his birthday occasion.
The astute Administrator cum Academician, who expressed his delight on the attainment of his new age thanked Almighty God for the opportunity to witness another year on earth.
Describing the Kwara United’s continental ticket as a golden opportunity, Ayinla who is widely known for his contributions to sports development called on the team management to beef up their squad and ensure that all loopholes are blocked.
“This is another chance for us. I want to urge the team to start early preparations, look for their areas of deficiencies and bring in tested and trusted players that will complement the team ” he said.
Reflecting on his contributions to Sports development in the State, Ayinla noted that his passion for Sports and football in particular dated back to early 70s and 80s with notable achievements to his credit.
A retired football Referee, He recalled how he supported the defunct Alyusfusalam Rocks of Ilorin in their 1976 Federation Cup final match against Rangers International FC of Enugu where the former lost 2 nil.
“In 1992 as a Secondary School Teacher, I donated my full salary to Kwara bombers and also supported the State government with One million Naira for Kwara United’s preparation Continental game against Zamalek FC of Egypt through a company(J Promoters International) which I and two other friends of mine were floating at that time” he said.
Among many other things, Dr. Ayinla also remembered an award of excellence that is always given to Overall Best Players of the season in the team years back and how he had to buy four tyres for some buses at the College of Education during the time of Dr. Tunde Akanbi to mobilize supporters for Kwara United game at Onikan Stadium.
The Agaka-born philanthropist who stated that, although the One Million Naira he facilitated for the team during their game against Zamalek was eventually refunded back to him charged Kwara United to approach the CAF competition with positive mindset.
“The team should aim higher in the competition. They shouldn’t just think of participation alone in the and I believe they can do it”, said the Scholar who has been turning things around for good at the College.
While he promised to continue to do more for Sports development, he urged all the stakeholders to rally round the Harmony boys in their quest for continental glory.
Kwara United will face AS Douanes in the first preliminary round of the tournament. The first leg is billed for September 9-11while the second leg is scheduled for 16-18 of the same month.
The winner of the encounter after the two legged matches will face the current champion of the Confederation Cup, RS Berkane in the second round.
Meanwhile, Kwara United has adopted the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) Lagos as its home ground for the CAF games.
