Late Kwara Stadium Steward's Son Target Bright Future After Free Admission Into ABS FC
Late Kwara Stadium Steward's Son Target Bright Future After Free Admission Into ABS FC
One of the children of Mallam Abdulrazaq Woli, a late Steward at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, Abdulrazaq Elelubo Abdullateef has promised to make his father proud after his death.
Abdullateef, who was granted free admission to join ABS Ilorin FC said he will work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by the NNL side.
The Director of Football of ABS Ilorin FC, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka had noted that the oppurtunity given to Abdullateef was done to reciprocate the dedication and commitment of his late father to duties during his lifetime.
Speaking exclusively to meritnews, Abdullateef expressed his deep regret over the sudden death of his father who he said invested heavily on his Children but didn't reap the fruits of his labour.
"I am very sad when I heard about my father's death.
They didn't tell me about it until I came back from a journey when I travelled with Royal Strikers FC to play friendly matches against Gateway FC and Gbagada FC" he recalled.
Elelubo, who noted that it has always been his father's utmost desire to see him play professional football described his admission to play for ABS as a dream come through.
"I am very happy because I have always wanted to play for ABS FC or Kwara United before, but it has now happened through the will of God.
Recalling how his late father tried to get me the opportunity to play for top club, he stated that; "My father was told that I should go and further my Education first and get more certificate. He was actually planning for me to further my Education but that didn't go through until his death"
THE FOOTBALL DREAM
Abdulateef reminisced that even with the support of his Parents, he struggled against the rejection from his kinsmen with his Football career.
"My parents actually supported my dream but some of our relatives doesn't want me to play. When I became 10 years old, most of them used to beat me because they want me to go to Arabic school or become an artisan- but I used to believe in my mind that I will still play football to the highest level"
Talking about his role model and style of Play, he hinted: "Debruyne is my role model. I used to watch him the way he plays his ball by creating chances and scoring of goals. So, I love him and I want to be playing like him"
"I want to really take care of my parents and now that my father is dead,I want to make sure that I take good care of my Mother, all my brothers and relatives and help many people- I believe it's possible".said Elelubo who also wished to further his Education.
THE TEQBALL JOURNEY
It will be quite difficult for many to resist appreciating the inherent football skills of Abdulateef.
Cool, calm and visionary with the ball, his ball juggling skills would eventually attract the officials of Teqball team of Kwara State and was subsequently called upon to join the team.
"My Teqball journey started last year when I played Kwara State league for Bashmed FC. The officials of Teqball came and they told our coaches that they need a player that can juggle the ball very well"
"So, I was just juggling the ball that day and they saw my skills which attracted them even though I didn't take it serious"
"I actually traveled with the Teqball team to Abuja and even though I didn't get to play in the competiton but was a good experience and exposure for me and I love it" he recounted.
THE NEED FOR HELP
The youngster who is passionate about making a life from football however called on people to help his career with some basic needs.
"I really need help to get boots, jerseys and even go back to schools. Even though my brothers say they will try , I really still hope that someone out there can help me achieve my dreams" concluded the young lad.
