The head coach of CATS Ladies FC of Surulere, Chinasa Mandy Ukandu has revealed secrets of the team’s historic emergence as winners of the 1st Lagos State Women’s Super League, Sports247 reports.
In the wake of a stunning outing that saw the team owned by former Surulere Local Government chairman, Alhaji Agboola Dabiri, go on a run of 12 matches without conceding a goal – in the Atlantic Conference and Super-4 finals combined – until their last game versus Ayisat Yusuf FA, Uchendu said hard work was the major factor that made it possible.
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The former Falconets and Super Falcons invitee, who is ably assisted in the technical crew by fellow-ex-youth international attacker, Kehinde Oguneye, who was previously based in England, also cited discipline and teamwork for their success.
Ukandu revealed, “This victory means a lot to us. It’s the result of hard work, discipline and teamwork. The girls gave their all on and off the pitch.”
Ukandu, who also has Chinenye Ashiegbu and Sunday Odetayo supporting her in the coaching crew, added that CATS’ conquest of Lagos State was achieved mostly through the impeccable attitude, cooperation and energetic efforts of her players, not just their football skills.
“What made this win possible was not just their talent but commitment, resilience and belief in one another.
“Every training session, every challenge we faced prepared us for this moment,” said the esteemed product of several British Council-sponsored youth development projects.
The erstwhile facilitator of Premier Skills training programme and director of Help The Talent Project (HTTP) went on to dedicate the Lagos State trophy to all up and coming female footballers who are dreaming of becoming stars of the future.
She also cited the conquering feat as a reward for the efforts put in by all her players, among whom was the competition’s most valuable performer, Julianah James.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to every young girl who has a dream but lacks the opportunity. This is for them – to show that, with the right support and environment, they too can shine.
“I also dedicate it to everyone who has been part of this journey and, of course, the CATS family – for believing in using sport to drive change in the community,” Ukandu affirmed.
Sports247 gathered further that this latest achievement adds to previous trophies won by the ream, most notable of which were 2023/24 Women’s Accredited Football Academies (WAFA) League and Girls Play Football Tournament in Abuja
