Super Eagles of Nigeria and Watford of England star, Isaac Success, has said that counting from his experience while growing up as a grassroots footballer in Benin, he will ensure that up and coming footballers are encouraged and nurtured to international limelight.
The instrument he is relying on to achieve his dream is the Isaac Success Gold Cup whose maiden edition was won on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, by his team, Isaac Success FC, Benin.
In a chat with reporters at the end of the final match, Isaac said: “I grew up in Benin playing grassroots football. I know how it is – the difficulties – like the players not having transport fare to go for training or games. It is really touching. I was not having so much support in this aspect growing up.
“That I am in this position presently is not because I am better than everybody. I am just fortunate and I thank God for that.
“Giving back to the society is something that has always been on my mind. I could have started this(sponsorship of the Isaac Success Gold Cup Tournament) a couple of years back but I just waited for the right time for me to be present at the time of the tournament.”
Going further, he said: “I am happy that my team, Isaac Success FC, won the maiden edition of the tournament today. I am proud of them. My main reason for sponsoring the team is to develop and take away players from the streets, give them the belief that it is possible, they can do it if I can do it from the streets of Benin and now in England. I think every other person has a chance as well.
“I am just creating that chance for them to have a platform where they can believe in themselves once again. Sometimes when I am with them I can see that their confidence is sagging and they need so much to step up and lift their spirit once again.”
He revealed plans to get some of the talents discovered at the tournament to be recruited by clubs in Europe. He promised to keep financing the tournament even after he quits playing football at club level.
His father, Pastor Isaac Ajayi Ogedengbe, who was also a footballer in his youth, in his response to questions said: “I thank God for what He is doing in his life. When I have birth to him, the first thing I did was to buy a football for him.
“I saw that he has a talent and the gift to play the game of football. I knew that he would become a star in future.
“I thank God for what he is doing now to encourage the youths and to give them hope. I know that God would do more.”
School of Health Technology, Benin, venue of the final match between Isaac Success and Ine Stars FC, was agog as the combatants played a 2 – 2 draw at full time before resorting to penalty kicks with Isaac Success FC winning with a 4 – 1 margin.
At the end of the tournament awards and cash prizes were given to the officials and players who distinguished themselves. Among the awardees were Ekhator Maxwell of Ine Stars who was named the Most Valuable Player(MVP) and Odion Ajayi of Isaac Success FC(highest goal scorer).
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