DELTA: Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Head Coach of Sowers Football Club, Asaba Delta State, Mr. Austin Maduagwu, has revealed how he played preseason for Rangers International Football Club, Enugu in 2009, but opted to leave the club due to his desire to develop grassroot football.
He revealed this at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba after his team defeated United Star by 3-2 on penalties to win the 2024 NADESSTU National Delta Cup, Delta North charter.
On what inspired him to become a coach, he said: “From the onset, I believe I love football, I was beaten, I was molested because of football, but because of my educational background I had to go.
“I am a journalist by profession but after my NYSC, I had to go back to football when I got the invitation.
“In 2009 I was signed by Rangers International, I played the preseason but because of one or two reasons I had to leave and come back to bring up our grassroot team.
“So that was when I went for my first coaching school and to God be the glory I am still going for more courses.”
Expressing happiness over the victory of his team, Maduagwu said “we are not giving the glory to ourselves for our tactics or professionalism, we give all glory to God so thank you very much.
“Sowers FC has come to stay; last year I believe we came out fourth in the state league but this year we are promising you we are bringing the gold back home.”
On the challenges they are facing, he said: “We have financial constraints.”
“This, being a grassroot team, we have problem of officiating, sometimes problems of sponsorship and other things, then we are praying to God to give us good equipments and facilities to bring these boys up to global level.”