The Bayelsa State government on Tuesday unveiled experienced coaches Ladan Bosso and Whyte Ogbonda as head coaches of their state owned football clubs Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens respectively, www.aclsports.com reports.
Bosso and Ogbonda were unveiled at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa in a move described as a clear indication of the state’s readiness to compete at all levels of sporting development.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo noted that the state government resolved to bring in more experienced hands to enable them compete.
“Our previous coaches did well for us but we felt that is not where we ought to be and that is why we have taken this decision to bring experienced coaches like Ladan Bosso whom we all know his pedigree and Whyte Ogbonda, so we are ready to fight sporting wise,” said Ewhrudjakpo.
Bosso, until his appointment was head coach of Nigeria’s Under 20s whom he took to the last African Games in Ghana and has now replaced Bayelsan Meremu Okara who helped the team to avoid relegation at the end of last season.
It also marks the return of Ladan Bosso to the club he left ten years ago after steering them to a surprise but significant third place finish in 2013 with the likes of Azubuike Okechukwu, Peter Ebimobowei and Salomon Junior key to his team’s success.
For Ogbonda, he joins Bayelsa Queens barely a month after leading his state club Rivers Angels to the President Federation Cup crown after a 1-0 win over Naija Ratels in Lagos. Ogbonda is replacing Bayelsan Domo Okara who passed away few weeks ago.
Bayelsa United will face Sunshine Stars of Akure in their opening match of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
