Catholic priest and sponsor of fast-rising Orlu-based team in Imo State, FR Eburuaja FC, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eburuaja has cried out for help ahead of the Round of 32 Federation Cup encounter with Doma United.
The newly formed team did beat Green Berets FC of Kaduna by 3-2 to advance to the next round of the oldest football competition in the country.
In a chat with Wakawaka Sports Extra on Global FM Sports Update, the priest decried the paucity of funds to sponsor the young lads to Abuja for the crunch fixture with the Nigeria Premier Football League side.
While calling on well-meaning individuals to come to his assistance, he noted that his aim of setting up the team is for evangelism and the means of ensuring the young lads are kept away from social vices.
“We are happy. There is no problem, no cause for alarm. They are a good side of course that are playing well. My boys are not deterred because we have met people like them. We are happy to meet them and we know we will win them.
“So far there are just few scout who are asking questions about the boys We know that many of them have not been exposed that much. Unlike playing in Abuja and so on, where you are exposed to showcase the talents in these boys. Why many scouts have not come is because the boys have not actually been showcased nationwide. With this they are going to be showcased.
“It has never been easy sponsoring the team alone because am just the sole sponsor of the club. I don’t have help from anywhere. When I saw the fixtures that we are going to Abuja, my problem is how to take these boys to Abuja. We really need help because what I’m doing is evangelization through sports. This is the only way I feel to add value to these children.
“At the stage we are now is not something I can carry alone. I need people of goodwill to come in and help me. That’s just the truth of the whole thing. I can’t carry it. I’m just a priest and not a businessman but just that I want to touch the lives of these people.
“Sometimes people don’t cue in to things they don’t believe. Some are waiting for success maybe before they will identify with us. So far, there are no persons that have shown interest to help. Some are in for business while others aren’t. I just hope for those people who will do charity for these boys.”
