By Ayodele Oni, Akure
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, was, on Tuesday, unveiled as the new Technical Adviser by the management of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)
This is coming ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Chairman of ODSFA, Tajudeen Akinyemi said the choice of Ogunbote was arrived at due to his vast experience from managing different clubs in the country.
Akinyemi said the new appointee is expected return the team to the continental glory, like he did during his first spell with the club.
Ogunbote had worked with Sunshine Stars as assistant coach to late Solomon Ogbeide before assuming as Head Coach from 2011 to 2012 seasons.
“We have been trying to get him some seasons ago, even before I was appointed, but lucky for us, we have him here now,” he said.
Ogunbote, while reacting to his appointment, said he would need all the necessary support like he got during his first spell to ensure that he succeeds.
“When we were here during my first spell, Sunshine Stars were ranked third best in Africa, but reverse is the case now. We can make it work back. All hands must be on deck, we can’t do it alone.
“The management must make funds available at all time, it is the duty of coaches to ensure that they encourage the management to do more. For it to end in praise, we must do our bit.
“The first time I came, it would not have been a beautiful one if not for the support I was given. God has used me to give six continental tickets across various clubs in the last eight years.
“The question we must ask is what we had done then that is not being done now, we must review all. The secret to failure is to want to please everybody. It is not just stepping on toes at times, you cut some to be successful,” he said.
Also, the Chairman of the State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi urged the team management and Technical Adviser to see the FA as partners in progress.
Ogunbote has now managed Enyimba Int’l FC, Rangers Int’l FC, Shooting Stars, Kwara United, Gateway United, Giwa FC, and Sharks FC.
