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Sacked Bayelsa boss
defends tenure
Outgoing Bayelsa United boss Kali Gwegwe has come out to defend his term as
chairman of the club, stressing that he needed to protect his image and
career.
In a press release issued, the former chairman said: "I wish to express my
sincere appreciation to His Excellencies, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa
State, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his Deputy, Hon. Perimobowei Ebebi for the
opportunity given me to serve the state in the capacity of Chairman, Board
of Bayelsa United Football Club.
"I also want to appreciate the entire football community in the state for
their prayers and encouragement. I, in no small measure owe the sporting
press so much gratitude for their support and understanding.
"Ordinarily, I would have chosen not to comment on the dissolution of the
board of Bayelsa United but for the fact that I need to protect my image and
career from being destroyed for reasons not worth its cause."
In that wise, I wish to state as follows:
1. Under my Chairmanship, Bayelsa United enjoyed the privilege of being run
like a professional club should. Allowances and professional fees were paid
players and officials as at when due.
2. It was under my Chairmanship that Bayelsa United led the league table for
nine consecutive weeks. This is a record in the Nigerian League.
3. Our 5th position finishing on the league table was not as a result of
poor management. Apart from injuries to some of our players, Bayelsa United
was a victim of sabotage anchored by insiders and other persons outside who
wanted to be on the board of the club by all means. The Honourable
Commissioner of Youth and Sports is quite aware of this.
4. It was most unfortunate that the Honourable Commissioner could afford to
sacrifice the entire board because of an individual who never wanted to work
with the other members. I would have felt differently if he (Commissioner)
was not aware of it.
5. While every Bayelsan has the right to aspire to be on the board of
Bayelsa United, I do not subscribe to the idea of blackmail, lie and gossip.
6. It would not be fair to compare Bayelsa United to Ocean Boys because the
both teams played in two different qualifying groups. While Bayelsa United
finished fifth in group A, Ocean Boys finished second in group B. Whereas
Bayelsa United played up to the quarter final stage of the Challenge Cup,
Ocean Boys were eliminated in the very first round.
7. Those who understand sports very well will accept the fact that football;
like any other sports is dynamic. No one club has ever won all the time.
What if Ocean Boys does not win the league next year? Should that be enough
reason to dissolve its management board? Yesterday, it was Enyimba, today it
is Ocean Boys. What then is the probability that it cannot be Bayelsa United
tomorrow? Perhaps, I should also mention here that Chelsea was not where it
is today three seasons ago. That is the beauty of the game.
8. Let all those who appreciate this fact not blame His Excellency, Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan, his Deputy Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi or the Bayelsa State
Executive Council for approving the dissolution of the Board of Bayelsa
United Football Club. There is indeed a clear case of misdirection. The
reason for this is quite obvious.
9. Bayelsa belong to all of us. I will be willing to contribute my quota
whenever my services are required.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 2006