The Katsina State Government on Tuesday said that it had 120 local coaches to under study the technical crew of the national U-17 team (Golden Eaglets). Aminu Balele, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on sports, disclosed this at a news briefing in Katsina, capital of Katsina State.

The Golden Eagle is currently camping at the Karakanda Stadium, Katsina, ahead of its preparation for the FIFA U-17 tournament scheduled to hold in Chile. He said this was part of the efforts of the state government to improve and develop football at grass roots.

Balele said that the Eaglets would be camping in Katsina for 70 days. He said that the local coaches would attend the training season in batches to watch and learn from the Golden Eaglets’ technical crew. The SSA also said that the state government was planning to revive its local-league matches so as to enhance soccer development.

Through it, the state would also discover hidden talents who would represent the state in various future competitions, Balele said. He said that the government was now looking for the sponsors for its planned local-league matches. The SSA said that the state’s decision to host one of the semi-final matches of the Federation Cup was part of the present administration’s commitment to accord sports a top priority.

The semi-final match of the Federation Cup between Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars would be played in Katsina on Wednesday