Kwara state government has charged state's owned team, Kwara United Football club to make history by beating African champions, RS Berkane of Morocco, to advance to the Group stage of the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup competition.
While addressing the players and officials on Saturday evening at their hotel ahead of the crucial encounter, the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi said that even though they are champions, they are beatable.
“RS Berkane are champions. But you must make history by beating them, to earn yourselves more respect. Don’t be carried away by the fact that they are champions. Just remain focused, concentrate and play together.
“Believe in yourselves and listen to your coaches. I will be at the stadium on Sunday to cheer you to victory, knowing fully well that the match is the foundation towards scaling the hurdle,” Mr Alabi said.
In his reaction on behalf of the players, Captain Bamidele Aiyenugba thanked the Deputy Governor for the motivation, even as he commended the state government for supporting the team.
“On behalf of the players, I will want to commend Kwara state government for its support. We want to use the match to write our names in gold, by winning the competition,” he pledged.
The Chairman of Kwara FA, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa tasked the team to encourage the government on its commitment to the team, by turning out a good result against RS Berkane on Sunday.
Earlier in his introduction, the club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye thanked the state government for its support to the development of sports in Kwara State, as well as its commitment to Kwara United's cause.
The match, which is the First Leg, First Round encounter with the Moroccan side will hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday. Kickoff is 4pm.