3SC place Lawal, others on transfer

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan on Wednesday released a list of 19 players that will be sold before the beginning of the new season on January 7. Kabiru Alausa and captain Sakiru Lawal are prominent names on the list.

The club administrative secretary, Demola Alabi, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the decision to place the players on transfer in a major clear-out by acting coach Mutiu Adepoju was one of the steps being taken to reposition the club for the challenges of competing in the Premier League.

Other players on the list are Tope Orelope, Karim Shaibu, Omoyayi Saburi, Festus Iyoma, Seun Afolabi, Babatunde Yusuf, Yinka Morenikeji, Lekan Gabriel, Wale Ladipo, Sunday Adeyemi, Seun Afolabi, Daniel Adegbola, Akeem Olanihun, Yinka Akande, Obiozo Chinozo, Femi Ogunlade, Supreme Arapaja and Timothy Idogbe.

Alabi explained that the players had to go because of low productivity.

He said, “We have to bring in players that will give us results. We appreciate the contribution of the players we are placing on transfer and wish them the best in future. 3SC will be ready to listen to any club that is interested in signing these players.”

After a season blighted by injury at Heartland, Alausa joined 3SC at the beginning of last season and scored a few goals as the club struggled to retain their Premier League status. In an interview with our correspondent, the former club captain, Lawal, complained about players being owed salaries and allowances by the club, pleading with the Oyo State Youth and Sports Commissioner, Dapo Lam-Adesina, to look into the matter.

Also, a decision will be made today on the vacant coaching position at the club. Fatai Amoo is favoured to retain his job but a meeting with the commissioner produced no definite decision as the coach rejected pay cut. A source close to the club said no other candidate was being considered for the position.

“We cannot continue without a coach. The beginning of a season is important as we must get our pre-season activities right. On Thursday, Amoo will either be named or a decision will be made to look for another coach,” the source said.