Still in great awe on the splendid performance of Plateau State contingent in the just concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State, the Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Hon.(Dr) Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande has attributed the sudden positive turn around of sports on the Plateau to the passionate and fatherly attention given it by the Sports loving Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande made this statement when he heard that even a Plateau State SWAN football team player, Basil Francis won Bronze bronze medal for Plateau State in kickboxing.
According to the PFA Chairman: “Am not surprised with the great leap and surprise achievements sports is enjoying recently on the Plateau. Take a look at the just concluded National Sports Festival, why are people surprised seeing Plateau State performing far better than the last edition in 2022? It shouldn’t surprise anybody. The Governor made sure these athletes were camped and all their financial obligations settled before they even left Jos for Ogun State. His Excellency also promised giving the gold medalists #1miliion, Silver medalists #750,000 and Bronze Medalists #500,000. The athletes were seriously motivated.”
Hon. Kwande continues: “The Governor’s “The Time is Now” Mantra positive effect is not only on the National Sports Festival. Since last year every event qualified for have always been attended by the teams. A very good example is the Plateau State Handball team that eventually attended a Continental event in Algeria this year after absence for more than 18years despite always qualifying.”
He concludes: “To my own Association where I lead? It can’t be overemphasized that Plateau State Football has never had it so sweet. And all our achievements wouldn’t have been achieved if the Governor hasn’t supported us and giving us the conducive environment. Look at this just concluded season, although Plateau United missed the continental ticket by the whiskers but they finished as the best team from the Northern part of this country finishing 7th in the NPFL.”
It would be recalled that Plateau State could only win 4 Gold, 12 silver and 26 bronze medals to finish 16th in 2022, while this year in Ogun State, Plateau State finished 12th, amassed 8 Gold medals, 13 Silver Medals and 26 Bronze Medals.
