GTI/TNFF Head of Media & Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba has called on clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, to key into the business aspect of the game for improved funding, Wakawaka Sports Extra reports.
Ekejiuba equally urged the clubs to be transparent in their dealings adding that ever since GTI came on board, the coaches and managers are gradually embracing the vision of the group to revitalise the league.
“I think so far so good and all the clubs, managers and coaches are gradually keying into what we expect our league to be even though there are some minor issues which is always expected when there is a transition from bad to good. We have not had any major issues to worry about.
“From my own perceptive is the clubs should endeavour to key into the business aspect of the game, look around and see how they can improve on their finances, fundings and ensure lot’s of transparency because this league cannot move forward without being transparent. For organisations and officiating we don’t have any worries.”
He eulogised the Kano Pillars legend, Rabiu Ali for his tremendous impact to the league while advocating for the Kano-based side to be privatised to ensure the potentials of the club is greatly utilised.
While decrying the high level of players exiting the league, Ekejiuba noted that GTI are rebuilding and restructuring to ensure stars of the NPFL remain in their various club sides with awesome payments.
“Rabiu Ali is a veteran and you cannot take it away from him. He has shown that being a veteran doesn’t mean you will write him off. In Kano he has shown like a million dollar person and delivered for his team. It’s high time an individual should come and take up Kano Pillars. We are looking and dreaming because the crowd in Kano coming to watch matches there is always awesome and something that makes me believe that there is hope in this league.
“If we do the right thing we all live to enjoy what we are seeing. We have the people, finances and talents. What is lacking is management and that is what GTI is correcting and things are moving positively.
“It worries everyone that some of our cult heroes are no longer there. We are rebuilding and restructuring. We are working towards ensuring we have cult heroes like Rabiu Ali because we are laying the foundation. What really make these players to leave is you are not paying them what they worth so they leave for greener pastures.
“We had some good players in Enyimba last season but they left because the money they are paying them is not really what they expect at that level and age is no longer on their side. When you look at all these things what do you do to keep the players and veterans going, it’s the funding and we are gradually addressing that.”
