3SC prioritise team welfare, unity – Lawal

The General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Dimeji Lawal, says the club will continue the tradition of prioritising the welfare of players and coaches as they look to secure a continental ticket next season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Oluyole Warriors missed out on a continental ticket by a whisker last season, finishing in fourth position behind Rangers, Remo Stars, and Enyimba, who secured three of four continental slots, with eight points separating them from the champions.

Asked about the extra motivation put in place by the management to achieve set targets the next term, the former Nigeria winger harped on the team’s welfare and unity, among others, in chat with our correspondent.

He said, “Good morning. Our team are always motivated every season in the recent years. We always make use of the transfer window to get best legs for areas we lacked, which also serves as big motivation for the players.

“We make sure we keep getting better on their welfare; it’s so paramount to us. We have never failed in ensuring prompt payment of their salaries and making sure there is an increment for good performances. Bonuses are paid regularly, just like other allowances.

“In fact, there are other assistances in place, sometimes outside contracts, because family issues can also bring distractions. Let me just state here that we are more of a family than merely a football team.”

Under the guidance of veteran coach Gbenga Ogunbote, the Ibadan-based club will be looking to build on their splendid run in the second half of last season when they get their 2024/25 campaign underway with a trip to Nasarawa United on Saturday, September 2024.

Champions Rangers and newly promoted Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi FC will trade tackles in the opening day’s fixture that will be held a week earlier at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]