Technical adviser of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C, Coach Abdul Maikaba, has assured the club’s numerous supporters that the team was fully ready for the start of the new league season after the unimpressive display in the Lagos preseason tournament recently.
In a chat, Thursday, after one of the team’ training sessions since resumption after the Christmas break, the widely experienced and travelled tactician said that his wards have overcome the shock from the preseason tournament and worked hard to have a great 2022/2023 football season.
“Actually, I can say that we have reached the peak of our preparations and the boys are responding very well more especially after the shock in Lagos”,
“We needed to work harder and the boys have been giving their best to catch up with the level needed for the start of the season”,
“I am very happy with the progress and I believe that we are very, very ready for the kickoff of the league on January 8, 2023,” stated Maikaba.
On the movement of the team to Awka to prosecute its matches due to the rehabilitation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium is not completed, Coach Maikaba assured that the team will not be negatively affected.
“I think we played about half of last season in Awka and we did not lose any match but had three drawn games which goes a long way to show that even if it was in Enugu, that may be the best we can get”,
“I believe we have won so many important games in Awka and we have gotten used to the place overtime, just as the people there have gotten used to us and coming out in their numbers to support us during games”,
“I am sure more will be coming out to support us in our games this time around”, he said
Coach Maikaba further said that the team’s target was to be amongst the top six at the end of the regular season from where it will be targeting a top-three finish which translates to a continental ticket with his eyes fixed at emerging the league champions to cart home the huge cash reward.
In another development, the management of the club successfully acquired the services of former Giant Brillers F.C’ attacking midfielder, Austine Onyemaechi and striker, Kingsley Maduforo who is joining from Heartland F.C.
Both players have been distinguishing themselves in training and practice matches since teaming up with the Enugu side.
/Norbert Okolie
