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| Plateau United FC Team |
PLATEAU
UNITED: THE PRICE OF VICTORY
By
Amone Sunny Ajila
Monday,
25th September 2017
It goes without saying that in every
victory won in life, there is a price tag. In the battlefront, for instance, the
victorious side always has to be the one made up of tactical, patriotic and courageous
men and women who are ready to lay down their lives, if need be, in order to
conquer the enemy. And in our day-to-day living, in order to overcome the
vicissitudes of life and emerge victorious, a lot of hard work, patience and
perseverance are the price to pay.
The same principle applies to sports. In
order to win, it entails paying the price of hard work, diligence,
determination, patriotism and, of course, money. These and many more are the
prices the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and the
indefatigable members of the Plateau United Football Club of Jos paid to ensure
victory at the recently concluded Nigerian Premier League Football Competition
at the Jos Township Stadium.
Right from the onset of the competition
when the Plateau team took the lead on the league table, Governor Lalong left
no one in doubt that he was determined to ensure that the jinx was broken and
the elusive football title came to the state at the end of the competition. Unlike
many contemporary politicians, the governor matched words with action not only
by pouring much-needed funds into the football team, but also took a step
further by being personally involved in the running of the affairs of Plateau
United so much so that he was never absent at the team’s home matches, in spite
of his crowded schedules.
Also worthy of commendation is the
rugged determination, cohesion and team-spirit exhibited by both players and
the technical crew of Plateau United Football Club throughout the duration of
the competition. Not for once was there bickering of any sort between the
players and their handlers as so often happens among other teams, even at the
national level. That they were able to hold onto their lead right up to the end
of the competition speaks volumes of the level of hard work and discipline both
players and their handlers exhibited at the competition. This is indeed
praiseworthy and should be emulated by existing and upcoming football teams not
only on the Plateau but in the country at large.
Kudos also go to the football-loving
supporters of Plateau United who, come rain or sunshine, were always on hand to
cheer their darling team to victory even when they were playing away matches at
far-flung places. Their peaceful disposition in the face of victory or defeat,
and their patience and maturity in the face of bad officiating stand them out
as worthy ambassadors of Plateau State, the Home of Peace and Tourism.
To many pundits, the victory of Plateau
United at the premier league football competition is long overdue, considering
the fact that the state has paid its dues by producing many past and present
football legends who have, and are still making, the country proud in
international circles. This applies not only to football, but to other sports
as well.
Now that the Plateau United FC boys have
achieved that which hitherto seemed impossible, they must not rest on their
oars. As the saying goes, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown! For the
first time in the club’s history since it was established in 1975, they are now
exposed to continental soccer and would be representing not just Plateau, but
the entire nation at next year’s Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Champions League. All hands must therefore be on deck and no stone should be
left unturned as they now shoulder added responsibilities. Given the support
they received from both their sponsors and fans during the just-concluded
premier league season, the players and their handlers should gear up to earn
continental laurels for the state and country.
On the part of government, it should do
everything possible to ensure the early completion of the Zaria Road Stadium in
order not to rob soccer fans in the state the opportunity to watch their team
play continental soccer at home. It is true that times are hard and resources
are lean, but that should not stop the administration of soccer-loving Governor
Lalong from completing the stadium, which was abandoned by previous
administrations, and thus writing his name in gold on the sands of time. It is
said that where there is a will, there is a way.
Here’s wishing
Plateau United good luck as they seek continental glory next year.
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