Italy-based former defender, Matthew Olorunleke has ruled himself out of owning a football academy any time soon, SportsDay reports.
Although he disclosed that his biggest project for now is hunting for hidden talents that can make Nigeria proud in years to come, ‘Leke’ stressed that it does not translate into owning a team of his own.
The amiable player-turned-coach, who now runs an outfit named Abigol Football Management and Coaching, stressed that the intricacies of club ownership are too sensitive to be toyed with, hence his decision not to venture into it.
He expressed gratitude and admiration for how renowned players’ representative, Barrister Churchill Oliseh groomed him, but ruled himself out of following suit with his mentor as a club owner.
“Football is now more than just playing the game,” began the 40-year-old coach-cum-scout, who was recently in Lagos for a coaching seminar organised by Badagry Football Association (BDFA).
“It has to do with proper planning, and it is advisable that we start from the grassroots. That’s why I am happy for this opportunity to scout young players; like what Churchill Oliseh did for me.
“I want to touch the next generation of Nigerian footballers, but that does not mean I must own an academy. It’s not a simple task, and it has to be with 360-degree focus.
“The type of academy I will want is to be operated like an NGO. That means a lot of effort will have to be involved in its operations. We have to understand what we are doing, and we have to get it right.
“We can’t just do it like roadside football or a small petty shop; it has to be well-organised and very productive.”
He concluded by giving kudos to BDFA boss, Dr Osondu Martins and Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) chairman, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed for inviting him to the coaching seminar that took place this past Tuesday.
