Development programmes responsible for Sunshine Angels’ Zenith League qualification, coach says

By Segun Giwa

 

Sola Aluko, the Ondo State Basketball Association Head Coach, says Sunshine Angels’ recent qualification for the Zenith League is down to the various development programmes embarked upon by the association.

Aluko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Thursday that Sunshine Angels’ coaching crew had depended largely on young players discovered at the grassroots to prosecute the competition.

He said those players were properly equipped to help the club qualify for the national women basketball league.

NAN reports that the state-owned club had picked one of the tickets to play in the league, where 16 teams will be competing for the national women basketball league title.

“The coaching crew had depended on and equipped young players discovered at the grassroots to prosecute the competition and qualify for the women league,” Aluko said.

The coach however appealed to the state government to expedite action on releasing needed funds for the association, saying “the young basketball players need lots of motivation to get going”.

He then appealed to national competition organisers to ensure early release of invitation letters early to enable state associations plan ahead.

“We need to beat all the government bureaucratic processes to ensure we get the funds because it is government that is sponsoring us.

“And that is why we also have to depend on the younger ones we have, equip them with practice and hope for the best,” Aluko added.

He said the Ondo State Basketball Association had been expecting the Sunshine Angels’ promotion for a very long time.

“We have been practising and we thank God our efforts did not go in vain. At least, two of our young players have been invited to the national team.

“It shows we know what we are doing and the fact that we have a lot of talents in the state,” the coach said.

 

(NAN)