Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International has ruled out the possibility of winning the 2023/2024 NPFL until week 35 matches or two games to go, Silvernews.com.ng reports.
Ilechukwu, who noted that the management of the team didn’t give him the target to win the league this season, said they are positive in what they can achieve.
Rangers continue occupy the top position with 51 points from 28 matches and will next travel to Katsina to trade tackles with Katsina United in a match day 29 fixture on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
According to him, his previous stint at Heartland FC failed to work out due to the issues that bedevilled the club adding that at Rangers, he has lot’s of young players who are united to achieve their goals.
The former MFM gaffer hailed the tremendous support from the Enugu State government, management of the team and Rangers fans globally for standing behind the team.
“One of the best players I had was in Heartland, almost 18 continental tested players. I don’t think I can assemble such players in any club again but because of crisis and lack of love. That’s just what happened in Heartland.
“If you look at Rangers, we have a lot of young players who are playing for the first time in NPFL. Look at where we are today just simple love and understanding, managerial skills and hardwork.
“I can’t talk about winning the league because Rangers management didn’t give me that contract condition. What we discussed is that this team battled relegation last season, we want you to stable the team and in doing that I know I will not finish badly.
“What we planned is to finish 5th, 6th or 8th position, then next season, we will plan to see if we can win the league but come this season, see where we are. I don’t want to tell you because we have 10 games to go.
“We have tough teams with experienced players who are competing like Plateau United, Remo Stars, Lobi Stars and Enyimba. When you have these big teams, you won’t be talking about winning the league when you have these experienced players.
“We can’t talk about winning the league until week 35, maybe two games to go and we start talking about that. We are positive in what we can achieve.
“Rangers is one of the greatest teams in the world. We know the symbol and what it signifies to us. Rangers has produced a lot of stars and have supporters both locally and globally. I want them to keep on supporting Rangers and I want to thank them for the opportunity to coach.”
