Coach of the 1996 Olympic football winning team, Joe Bonfrere, gave the advice during his visit to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Matemilola, at Oke-Ago Awu, Abeokuta, in preparation for the grand finale of Oba Saka Matemilola Football Competition, saying the visit was necessary to support and encourage the young lads to be better footballers in future.

The Dutchman who explained that football as a profession could be a means to meet one’s responsibilities and provide a good life, saying that playing at the tender age of 17 made him responsible for his family and community.

He added that his support with professional kits for the young footballers was borne out of their performance during his last visit.

"Playing football has totally changed my life for better as I was taken away from the street through the round leather game. So my advice to you is to be mentally alert, be a good team player and be responsible both inside and outside the field of play ". he said. 

While advising the coaches to nurture them to international standard, as they had a bright future ahead of them, Bonfrere said sporting activities, especially football and athletics, if well utilised would definitely take the minds of many youths off social vices that could be detrimental to their future.

Also speaking, a retired Referee, Mr. Stephen Okodua, appreciated the Monarch for using sports as an avenue to engage the youth against gangsterism and other social vices, saying the initiative was imperative to keep them busy and create a better career pathway to secure their future.

Remarking, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, appreciated Joe Bonfrere for the support and professional advice with an assurance to monitor the team up to national level. 

The monarch also disclosed that plans were underway to set up a female team and engage them in their choice of sporting activities, adding that Joe Bonfrere would continue to be remembered in the history of Nigeria, with respect to the round leather game.

While calling on multinational organisations and well-meaning individuals to join in shaping the future of Nigerian youth, Oba Matemilola explained that the competition started with 25 teams from different communities who had gone through various stages, culminating the emergence of Are Bakinson Academy and Golden Star as finalists. 

Earlier,  Akinlagun of Owu Kingdom, Chief Dr.Oluseyi Adediran, appreciated the former Super Eagles’ coach who was conferred as an Ambassador of Owu Kingdom for his continued support, noting that Oba Matemilola’s two years on the throne had continued to witness various empowerment and youth development, especially in sporting activities.