The Head Coach and High Performance Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Steven Mangongo has described Edo State as undisputed powerhouse of cricket development in Nigeria,
The N lCF head coach stated this during his courtesy visit to the Executive chairman,Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele in Benin City yesterday
He attributes the giant stride of Edo state and successes in the sport to deliberate investment in grassroots programmes and effective leadership.
The Zimbabwean-born cricket expert Mangongo who is in Benin City on a five-day official visit to Edo State.
said he was impressed by the level of cricket development in the state, noting that Edo has consistently produced quality players for the national teams and remains a model for other states to emulate.
He commended the Edo state Sports Commission Chairman Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele for his commitment to grassroots sports development.
“It is a privilege to be here in Edo State. This state is very special whenever cricket in Nigeria is discussed, I keep repeating this everywhere, because it comes from my heart. At every level I have engaged players, Edo State keeps coming up as a producer of exceptional talent,” Mangongo said.
He stated that if Nigeria intends to build a sustainable cricket structure, the developmental model being implemented in Edo should be replicated across the country.
“Edo remains the powerhouse of cricket in Nigeria. If Nigeria must get it right, the template of Edo
must be adopted nationwide..
“I had goosebumps when I visited the training ground and saw cricketers from the Under-8, Under-18, Under-19 women’s team and national team players all training together. It shows that cricket is in safe hands because there is a functional sports development plan in Edo State.
“We celebrate success because of good leadership, and that is what you have demonstrated. I want to be part of this journey because I can see the future and I see immense success,” he stated.
Enabulele thanked the Mangongo for visiting the state and described the Edo State Cricket Association as one of the Sports Commission’s strongest partners in grassroots sports development.
He said the association’s commitment to nurturing young talents aligns with the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to build sports from the grassroots.
“When it comes to developmental programmes, the Edo State Cricket Association is in the front burner of this Commission. I have dependable hands managing cricket in the state. They don’t just work; they keep me informed about every stage of the development process.
The Sports Commission chairman also commended the leadership of the Edo State Cricket Association, headed by Dr. Uyi Akpata, who is also the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, for creating opportunities for young boys and girls to excel in the sport.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to continue partnering with the federation and other stakeholders to sustain the growth of cricket in the state.
“We appreciate your visit and assure you that Edo State will continue to support initiatives that promote cricket development. We remain open to collaboration in every area that will further strengthen the game,” Enabulele added.
