After what felt like an eternity on the sidelines nursing an ankle injury he ‘claims’ to have, Ayoola Adeleke has finally declared himself fit and ready to return to active football. And in a plot twist no one saw coming, he has chosen to ditch the outfield role for a pair of goalkeeper gloves.
Speaking on Friday morning on Silverbird Rhythm 93.7fm Sport Card, the always-elusive player, who has rarely been spotted on a football pitch, announced that he will be joining the Edo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) football team when full training resumes.
“My injury to my left ankle has been the issue. I have always been behind the team’s media presence,” he said, perhaps hinting that he’s been present but more comfortable with the media than with the ball.
But now, Ayoola Adeleke is ready to make a comeback, this time between the sticks. He has already informed current SWAN goalkeeper, Precious Nath, that he is coming for the gloves to displace the current goalkeeper.
“I’m not going to play as an outfield player. I’m opting for the goalkeeping department. The moment SWAN resumes training this year, I’ll be back in full as a goalkeeper. My hands are good, and my right foot can kick very well. As an outfield player, I don’t think that’s possible. But as a goalkeeper? You will see the best of ‘Mansa RSS’ in goal,” he declared with confidence.
Before agreeing to return, however, Adeleke initially hesitated, citing the chaotic schedule of SWAN matches.
“We’ve had issues with a depleted team because of match timings and the tight schedules of radio and TV guys. Some members also can’t make it because of other engagements,” he explained.