Wase LGA emergencies champions of Governor Caleb Mutfwang under-13 competition
By Agada Daniel, Jos
Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State defeated Mangu counterpart 3-2 to be crown champions of the maiden edition of Governor Caleb Mutfwang under-13 football tournament.
The grand finale which held Monday at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium coincided with children’s day celebration.
The game which was keenly contested by both teams has been adjudged by pundits as the exhibition of young talents.
Recall Governor Mutfwang’s under-13 football tournament is organized by Plateau State Football Association (PFA).
Explaining the rationale behind hosting the tournament, PFA Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande said, the gesture is in tandem with World Football Governing Body (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) driven philosophy of nurturing young talents.
“FIFA and CAF are trying to go age cadres, particularly under 13, 15 and 17. So, we on the Plateau said let be the first to hit the gun.
“We started the tournament about two weeks ago, and were rounding up today been children day.
“The tournament was fantastic. I am very impressed and going forward our expectation is to have under 15 and 17 categories.”
Kwande said is high time for Nigerian national team coaches to look inward by removing sentiments and do the right thing. Before now Nigeria are dominating under 17 both in Africa and globally but now were no longer there.
We have already assembled under 13 team which was picked by coaches.
He also revealed they intend to have training for coaches and players in the state for greater productivity.
Giving his take on Governor Mutfwang’s one year in office, the PFA chairman confirmed the Governor has been so nice to them their assumption in office, nothing that he possessed a requisite to change the fortune of Plateau.
Our correspondent learned that Jos North local government claimed third position.
It was also observed that the PFA bestowed distinguished award of excellence on three former ministers of youth and sports development who are the songs of Plateau state.
The awardees are: Damishi Sango, late Ishaya Aku as well as Barr. Solomon Dalung.
Other awardee recipients include includes, Hon. Hamisu Anani, Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Wase and ALGON chairman Plateau state alongside others for their significant contributions for the growth and development of grassroot football on the Plateau and beyond.
