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The chairman of Elano Investment Company, Chief Gonba Okanje, says the company will continue to support events in Eleme Kingdom that unite and develop the people.
Chief Okanje, who spoke through his representative at the final match of the 2016 Elem Champions League, Hon Fineman Olumgbe, described the championship as a success.
“It’s a success story for today. What we have seen today is the growth of sports in Eleme. The fans’ turnout is mammoth, that’s what people are looking for; bringing people together to enjoy good football. What we saw today was good football just like what happened on Saturday between Arsenal and West Ham in the English Premier League.”
On sustainability of the championship he said: “Elano programmes are sustainable development programmes. We had for instance people from Khana, Okrika, Ogu and Eleme coming together for peace and unity, and where there is peace and unity among the people, you will definitely see development. For us at Elano Investment, we’ll continue to partner where there is development; we’ll encourage this.
“He described the winners of the championship, Strangers FC of Eleme as worthy champions, saying this was so particularly “because today’s match was one that ended in penalty shootout. So both sides really did showcase themselves as best teams to emerge in the final tournament. All participating teams did very well.”
The chairman of the organising committee, Chief Jacob Nkpa told the media that the most important thing was to get the youths together, saying the unity expected was largely seen.
Coach of Strangers FC, Kaka Yene, thanked Elano for sponsoring the championship. “Elano has done noble by sponsoring the competition. It will be good if other groups and individuals follow Elano’s footsteps. People love football; it is a game of peace and love and it will be better to sponsor football than to buy guns for the youths to shoot here and there.”
The captain of the losing side, Zaakpon United, said the loss would help them take stock and return stronger than seen before. His counterpart, Alex, a former Bussdor United player, said it was not easy for the side to win the championship, and thanked Elano for sponsoring the event.
Strangers FC beat Zaakpon United 3-1 on penalties to lift the trophy after both sides had ended it 1-1at regulation time. Strangers FC had beaten De Linkers of Eleme 1-0 at the semi-final stage to qualify for the finals, while Zaakpon had despatched New Gunners FC also by 1-0 at the semis to reach the final.
