TheCable

Plateau United FC players are anxious to win the club’s first ever Nigeria Professional League title since its establishment in 1975, the club’s media officer, Albert Dakup, said on Friday.

Dakub, who spoke with the NAN, ahead of the Sunday’s home clash against Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, said that the team, which leads the league pack with two points, is not under any pressure.

“The mood is that of excitement. The players are anxious to give us the first trophy ever. Everyone wants to be part of that sweet history,” he said.

He said the chief coach, Kennedy Boboye, recently told the players to avoid complacency and never be carried away by the team’s position on the league table.

“He told them that nothing has been won yet; he told them to remain focused and not be distracted. He also told them to focus on winning the remaining six matches,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the secret of the team’s success was the massive support it was enjoying from both the club’s management and the state government.

Dakup said that the club, through the efforts of the club’s technical director, Ahmed Ibrahim, had initiated a match winning bonus of N500,000 per home match and N1 million for an away victory.

“The club has been faithful in rewarding the players which has spurred them to put in their very best.

“Whenever they win, the technical director will immediately pay the money into the club captain’s account. He will then withdraw and share with his colleagues.”

The media officer said that the overwhelming support by Governor Simon Lalong was another major morale booster for the team.

“Gov. Lalong is the first chief executive of the state to visit the team’s training camp. He personally visited the camp on two occasions and has sent his Chief of Staff to the camp on several other occasions.

“Just two weeks ago, the governor was in the camp ahead of the match against Akwa United FC, where he assured the team of more rewards if they won the league.

“He also assured them that they would play their continental matches at the new new Jos Stadium along Zaria road,” he said.

Plateau United sit atop the NPFL table with 55 points from 32 matches.

MFM FC is in hot pursuit with 53 points, and both sides will square up against each other in a fortnight.