The Organizers of the ongoing Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, on Wednesday at the Indoor Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, organized a one-day lecture on the “Laws of the game” for the participating teams.
The Bayelsa State Referees’ Council trained the participating teams, including Bayelsa United, Bendel Insurance, Warri Wolves, EGM FC, and Kun Khalifat FC, to keep them acquainted with the latest laws.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Bendel Insurance coach Greg Ikhenoba described the lecture as educative because it would benefit the players who are the key actors of the game.
Training is Important For Fans’ Education
Also, Bayelsa United Head Coach, Meremu Okara, said the exercise was timely due to the regular changes in the game, pointing out that it’s important for fans to be involved in the exercise to avoid blaming match officials.
He appreciated the organizers and the Bayelsa Referees’ Council for conducting the program, saying the programme would impact the referees and teams.
Chairman of the State’s Referee Council, Mr. Ebi Nwankwe, praised the organizers for giving them the opportunity to learn more.
He equally commended the organizers for the match and warm-up Kits donated to them by the organizers of the competition, stating the referees were mostly neglected when jerseys were being shared in the past.
Bayelsa Pre-season Football: Improving Players’ Knowledge Of The Game
In response, the tournament coordinator, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, asserted that the exercise became imperative due to the continuous changes to the laws of the game by the world football governing body, FIFA.
So it was important that they conduct a lecture like this to prepare the participating teams on the Laws of the game for the upcoming season.
He thanked the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpo, for making the tournament possible.
Also, he hailed the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Baraladei Igali, for allowing him and his team to host this year’s competition.
Action resumes Friday for Match Day Three of the ongoing Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament as EGM takes on Bayelsa United U_20 while Kun Khalifat tackles Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium for a place in the semi-final by 1 pm and 3:30 pm.
