Oyo State Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Assures Shooting Stars Supporters

The despicable state of the Ibadan darling team Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has continued to attract reactions from stakeholders, as the players and officials of the team were in dilemma with no quick solution in sight to the acute lack of fund hampering their campaign this season.

A former governor of Oyo State and Accord gubernatorial candidate in the April 11 elections, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed pity over the state of the traditional club and promised to pay adequate attention to their financial and welfare needs if he is elected into office.

He made the call in Ibadan trough a statement released by the Director-General of his campaign, Hon. Deolu Adeleke, saying their woeful start in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is definitely due to the lack of financial support by the incumbent administration in the state.

“Reports reaching me indicate that the government has not paid the salaries of 3SC players and workers for December 2014, January and February 2015.

“Neither has the Ajimobi-led government allocated money for players’ recruitment for the new season. And we all expect the team to do well.

“How can the players play on an empty stomach? Neglecting this crucial arm that gives joy to thousands of people is wicked,” the statement said.

Senator Ladoja recalled that during his tenure between 2003 and 2007, his administration allocated generous funds to the team so much that for a long time the team led the premiership log and was going to win the title in 2005 if not for the political crisis that engulfed the state.

“The glory days of Shooting Stars are around the corner. My administration will revamp and revive the team.

“It is the pride of, not only Ibadan and Oyo State, but of the Yoruba nation,” the statement added.

Senator Ladoja said he was sad to learn that 3SC not only lost its first match away to Wikki Tourists of Bauchi by 0-2, but was also defeated at home by Heartland of Owerri by 2-1.

“Such results are unacceptable to the soccer-loving people of Oyo State. We will reverse it.”

He called on the numerous supporters and fans of the team to vote for him and other Accord party candidates in the elections and ensures glorious future for their darling club.