Shortly after their inauguration at the Government House in Asaba yesterday, the committee to revive football  in secondary schools in Delta met and named  the competition that they will organize   “Governor’s Cup”.

The Governor’s Cup shall be open to about 900 hundred public and private secondary schools in Delta State. And going by the directive of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the state governor, while inaugurating the committee, the competition will start not later than the first term of 2013.

Dr. Uduaghan recalled the impact school football made in Nigeria and in the old Mid West region and reminded the committee that players like Jossy Dombraye and Thompson Usiyen played for Nigeria using school football as their platforms.

Uduaghan said that his government was determined to achieve the cardinal objectives of his government and that football is one of the great tools  to acomplish them.

“The potentials that the soccer event in the schools will produce will be sponsored both at home and abroad. We will make them stars and real professionals. It will be human capital development and this calls for great commitment, dedication and foresight.  We have about 14 Stadia in Delta which must not lie idle. This committee should keep them busy with school football. Many schools have play grounds and those who do not have will be encouraged to develop sports grounds. We will use sports to achieve a lot including good health. “

The governor said that there would be award system but in the main he extolled the benefits top class sports could engineer  in the State among which are good health and  professionalism in career pursuits

‘‘Today’s event is in line with our goal to provide opportunity to kids to express their talents and pursue careers that could pay them and the society too.  Sports keeps the body healthy, prevents some diseases and provides the platform for players to achieve top professional careers. With the diminishing economy it is regrettable that schools now lack sports grounds. We want to address all these and build up the system that will develop the players which is one way to change our society for the better.”

Chairman of the committee Professor Patrick Muoboghare assured the governor that “we shall hit the ground running to make it a success.”

The pedigree of the members thrilled all. Austin jay Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Davidson Owumi, John Omoghele,  Amaju Pinnick, Richard Mofe Damijo, Ebifa Ijeoma, the commissioner for Youth in Delta,  Onochie Anibeze, Harrison Ochulor and Gowon Akpodonor are among the members of the committee.

“We will really work and get the schools busy,” Ikpeba said.