Nathaniel Mobolade, Jos.
Chief Bitrus Bewarang has congratulated the newly inaugurated Excos of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),Plateau State branch.
Coach Bewarang, who was a former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, expressed his delight in the calibre of persons elected into the executive Committee of the association on the Plateau as he expects that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear in driving the association to greater heights while promoting honesty and integrity in sports reportage.
The one-time Coach of JIB Rock Strikers and Plateau United of Jos, reiterated the fact that SWAN members in Plateau State and Nigeria have been his people who he has had a good working relationship with in his various positions.
” I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the newly inaugurated SWAN Exco in Plateau State ably led by Mr Alfred Saiki, his deputy Sammy Adesoji and other members on their well deserved victory in the election. As you are the mouthpiece of sports on the Plateau to the world, I will crave your indulgence to put Plateau sports in the right light not only Football.I believe this victory is a testament to your exceptional qualities, dedication and commitment to the development of sports on the Plateau”.
The former NFF Technical Director, also congratulated the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, leadership for keeping to their words in promoting good refeering in the last two seasons and especially at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, where clubs have picked points on the road as against what it used to be.
He further stated that good officiating is the best way to make the league attractive to sponsors, fans and the outside world and most importantly the best team wins the league to represent the country well on the continent.
He, however, cautioned some referees who are bent on bringing the league to disrepute with their bad officiating.
“My sincere gratitude goes to the NPFL led by Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, who kept to their promises of near perfect officiating by referees as many clubs have picked maximum points on the road and others draw, except for some instances where officiating has not been impressive. But this should not take the credit of others away”.
He maintained that “good officiating will see the emergence of true champions who will go and represent us well in African Champions League and the Confederations Cup. Though, when talking about infrastructure, we are lagging behind but we can make up for that in good officiating which promotes good Football and worthy champions that can stand their own anywhere as good officiating is a basic aspect of the game that must not be taken for granted”.
Coach Bewarang, thereafter wish Plateau United FC success in the remaining matches of the season and urged them not to be deterred with the points deduction. He also, wished Mighty Jets Int’l goodluck in the forthcoming NNL season and wish the club makes the cut for promotion to the NPFL as they seem to be on the right track with the recruitment of young players coupled with experience ones among them.
