In his manifesto titled “Welcome to Possibilities: A New Deal for Osun Football,” the newly elected Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mr Sola Fanawopo presented a comprehensive plan to transform Osun State Football into a thriving hub of soccer activities. In this article, Futball Naija outlines the seven key priorities highlighted in his manifesto, showcasing his commitment to taking Osun Football to the next level.
- Systematic Promotion of Grassroots Football: Sola Fanawopo emphasizes the urgent need to promote grassroots football in Osun State. This includes providing financial assistance to local football bodies and establishing necessary infrastructures for coaches, referees, administrators, and participants to actively engage in the sport. He envisions equal access to football for all, irrespective of gender, race, or social status.
- Pragmatic Sports Infrastructure Development Strategy: Recognizing the significance of sports infrastructure, Fanawopo aims to forge meaningful partnerships with the Osun State Government, local governments, area councils, and federal legislators. He plans to upgrade and transform the Osogbo Township Stadium into a state-of-the-art facility, while urging local government chairmen to develop standard football pitches in their respective areas.
- Result-Oriented Capacity Building: Fanawopo prioritizes capacity building for football administrators, referees, coaches, scouts, security operatives, health officials, and the media. He proposes collaborating with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organize regular technical workshops tailored to the specific needs of each stakeholder, fostering a strong network and promoting growth in both numbers and quality.
- World-Class and Data-Driven Football Administration: Embracing technological advancements, Fanawopo emphasizes the importance of integrating data-driven processes into Osun Football. He envisions a modernized secretariat with up-to-date information on grassroots players, clubs, coaches, referees, and sponsors, creating a model for football administration within the region.
- Model State Football League: Fanawopo recognizes the significance of a state football league for smaller clubs’ financial well-being and player development. He pledges to reinstate the State league as a permanent feature in Osun Football’s annual timetable, fostering healthy competition and providing a platform for aspiring talent to showcase their skills.
- Osun Inter-Collegiate Football League: Highlighting the potential of college football in nurturing talent and attracting fan support, Fanawopo plans to collaborate with sports administrators in Osun’s numerous higher institutions to establish the Osun Inter-Collegiate Football League. This initiative aims to harness the financial equalizer and talent pool provided by college football, creating exciting opportunities for young players.
- Support for Club Owners: Fanawopo emphasizes the importance of supporting club owners by providing technical assistance through partnerships with law firms, brand management firms, and professional marketing companies. These partnerships will offer affordable legal support and guidance on governance, company formation, employment law, contracts, branding, marketing, dispute resolution, and intellectual property matters.
Sola Fanawopo’s manifesto presents a clear roadmap for the future of Osun State Football, outlining seven crucial priorities that will shape the sport’s growth and development. Through systematic grassroots promotion, infrastructure development, capacity building, data-driven administration, and support for club owners, Fanawopo’s vision aims to revolutionize Osun Football and establish it as a prominent force within the region and the country as a whole. This comprehensive plan sets the stage for a new era of possibilities and success in Osun State Football.
