The Seals cup is a football competition organised by the student union of the University of Ibadan. The group stage of the competition ended last week. The department of political science gallantly proceeded to the next round of the competition without conceding a goal, the only department to achieve the feat. POSSPRESS had a chat with the Sports director, the team’s coach and the Captain.
In the chat with the sports director, Jum’ah Yaseer about the performance of the team during the group stage, he praised the players as being exceptional and lauded their feat of winning two out of three games and holding the Industrial and Production Engineering Department to a draw in the last fixture of the group stage. He also appreciated the Coach, Nicholas for managing the team professionally and coming up with efficient tactics and strategies.
He admitted the team is facing the challenge of a low turnout of supporters to cheer the team as they carry out the duty of representing the department. He also lamented about the well beings of players as some players are either sick or injured and the team is only allowed to field registered players for the competition.
‘The fixtures sometimes clash with classes and players having to ditch the classroom to represent the department in their fight for gold’ while alluding to a day some players almost missed a test and have to rush down to the faculty after the match without catching a break. He stressed that he is concerned about the academics of the players and would write to appropriate authorities if ever the need arises to miss a test.
Yaseer stressed that the finances are a problem, he appreciated all NAPSSites who have assisted the team materially and also applauded the team for always pitching in for logistical needs.
Lastly, he passed a message to NAPSSites. “My message for the department is that we should all continue to sow the seeds of unity and preserve the love amongst ourselves. Kudos to those who have always supported us. Another message is that NAPSSites should please respond to us in any which way we reach out to them. There are different groups created for sports in the department and the links were sent out for people to join but we got few responses.”
The team coach, Nicholas did not fail to applaud the team’s effort, brilliance and passion on the field.
