Ahead of their first round of match against Dynamic FC in the ongoing Bright Osayi Football Tournament, the Coach of Shavik FC, Sharon Ekhiwere, has raised concerns over the match time slated for 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, citing difficulties related to religious obligations and parental permissions.
Speaking during a pre-match conference held in the studios of Silverbird Rhythm FM Benin, Coach Sharon Ekhiwere expressed the team’s frustration with the fixture timing, which falls on a Sunday, a sacred day for many families in the predominantly Christian society.
“This match has been slated for 12:15 p.m., which means we have to be at the venue by 11 a.m. to properly prepare. It’s going to be tough because we are in a religious society, and on Sunday, it’s always difficult to get our players,” Ekhiwere stated.
Shavik FC, participating in the tournament’s age-grade category, has also encountered a major hurdle in securing parental consent for its young players.
“Because it is an age-grade tournament, the players need to get permission from their parents. Of the 16 registered players for Shavik FC. only two parents have approved of their players to play,” he added.
Coach Ekhiwere expressed hope that their opponents, Dynamic FC, a team also owned by a pastor, would be available and ready to honour the fixture. “Hopefully, they are on the ground to play the match,” he concluded.
However, the tournament organizers cannot be blamed because the young players have to be in school during weekdays, and weekends are the available time for them to play.
Shavik FC heads into the game on the back of a strong performance, having won their last match 5-0 against United FC.
Shavik FC will continue their tourney at the Bright Osayi U13 tournament on Sunday when they play Dynamic Stars at the Uwa Primary School field at First East Circular Road in Benin City.