I Wish To Coach Eaglets Someday

Samson Ogunsanya is the chief coach of Alexander FC of Okota formerly known as Rocky Stars. He has spent 27 years in the coaching career. He spoke with Grassroots Soccer Guide about his past achievements and his dream to coach Golden Eaglets someday.

What are your programmes for this year?

I have a lot of programmes for the team. Presently, we are planning to play some friendly matches with strong amateur clubs and register for high profile football competitions.

Some clubs have started preparing for the Lagos FA Cup, how are you preparing for the tourney?

I don’t think my club will play in this year’s Lagos FA Cup because of the registration fees. I was told that grassroots club must pay N50, 000 for affiliation fee and N30, 000 for registration fee for the tourney. My club has no sponsor. I don’t think we will register for the competition this year.

Your team played in the Lagos FA Cup final against First Bank FC in 2006, how was the experience?

It came with mixed feelings. We had a good preparation and God saw us through to the final but unfortunately we lost 1-2 to First Bank in the encounter.

Did you regret losing FA Cup?

Honestly, it was so painful that we lost the tournament. If we won the tournament, we would have made history as a first grassroots club to win Lagos FA Cup.

Tell us about the club’s achievements since 1986?

The club has recorded achievements since inception. We won Arena Cup in 2006\2009. We also won Peace Cup three times, Osolo Cup in 2007 and Ayeni Cup. The club has won so many laurels that I cannot remember now.

You have been coaching for 27 years, are you fulfilled as a coach?

I am not yet fulfilled until I coach Golden Eaglets someday. I have won so many laurels in the past and it is time for me to serve my fatherland. I wish to coach Eaglet before I retire

Is Eaglet’s job not too big for you?

(Laughs) The job is not too big for me to handle. All I need from the football authorities is support and encouragement. I appreciate the current handlers of the Eaglets but I still want to coach Eaglets before I retire.