The 5th Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Programme has kicked off in Yenagoa with over two hundred players screened from the ongoing Prosperity Cup.
It was gathered that about ten foreign scouts across Europe including Laddan Bosso, the under 20 national team coach and club owner and national scout Datti Ahmed are all in Yenagoa for the programme.
The organizers of the Prosperity Cup tournament on Monday also started a coaching clinic at Golden Tulip Hotel in Yenagoa with Augustine Jibrin of OTP United of Finland giving the first lecture before the commencement of the scouting programme.
Commissioner for sports development, Dr. Daniel Igali, who declared the scouting tournament opened, urged the coaches to take advantage of the opportunity.
He pointed out that he was impressed with the number of talents produced in the tournament in the last few years.
Igali maintained that the state government was committed towards giving the youths in the state a prosperous life through sports, describing coaches as important in any sports.
Chairman House Committee on Sports, Barr. Tare Porri in his remark said, sports in the last few years has changed the narrative in Bayelsa due to the achievements recorded in the sector.
He maintained that the Prosperity Cup has added value to the lives of the youths in the state.
Also speaking, Commissioner for youth development, Hon. Alfred Kemapado, appreciated the governor for providing the platform for youths, stating that the scouting exercise would help to bring out the best young players in the system, describing sports as a serious business.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, said the essence of the coaching clinic and the scouting programme was to positively impact lives of the youths in Bayelsa through sports.
In separate remarks, the Mayor of Yenagoa, Hon. Buloudisiye Ndiwari, former CAF medical committee member, Dr. Peter Singabele and Chairman Board of Tusteee of Prosperity Cup, Prof. Felix Omenu stated that the coaching clinic and the scouting exercise would expose the youths to the world.
The highlight of the programme was a free medical check-up of all registered coaches and participants.
Some of the scouts in present in the tournament include: Mindaugas Malinauskas of Lithuania, a retired Lithuanian goalkeeper coach, Augustine Jibrin head coach of OTP United, Simas Kumza, Sports Director, FK Babrungas Plunge
Others are Harry Azodo, Sporting Director OTP of Finland, Ahmet Ozein, agent choli scout, Turkey, former international Peter Nieketen, Hakan Uyanmis, agent and CEO H.Sports Management agency Sporting Director of Sakaryaspor, Glenn Stahl International Football Scout and Kelvin Etemike, CEO Tristone Sports/ OTP of Finland.
Meanwhile, three matches were played in the scouting programme on Monday while on tuesday the coaching clinic and scouting programme continues with eight games on the card with some of the most talented players on display.
