By Emmanuel Ebimoh
Nigeria Professional Football League side, Sunshine Stars of Akure, have appointed Gbenga Ogunbote as their new manager.
Ogunbote was unveiled by the club on Tuesday for a second coaching spell after his first spell at the club between 2009 – 2012 where he helped them reach the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Speaking at the unveiling event, the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Tajudeen Akinyemi, said Ogunbote was chosen because of his vast experience in managing top clubs in the country.
Akinyemi added that the main assignment for the new coach was to return the team to the continent.
“We’ve been trying to get him for some seasons now, even before I was appointed, but luckily for us, we have him here now.” Akinyemi said.
Ogunbote, who managed Lobi Stars last season, is also hopeful of helping the club return to their glory days.
The new manager said: “When we were here during my first spell, Sunshine Stars were ranked third best in Africa, but the reverse is the case now. We can make it work back.”
“All hands must be on deck, we can’t do it alone. The management must make funds available at all time, it is the duty of coaches to ensure that they encourage the management to do more. For it to end in praise, we must do our bit.
“The first time I came, it would not have been a beautiful one if not for the support I was given. God has used me to give six continental tickets across various clubs in the last eight years.”
