South Africa-based sports philanthropist, Ephraim Onodu says he is planning an international novelty match to raise funds to build a football academy for Rangers FC of Enugu.
He told the Sports Journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday that the friendly, tagged, Veterans Sports Foundation, would hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Jan. 7, 2018.
He said that the state government had been informed and they gave their approval for the event to hold.
“ The match will feature ex-Rangers stars and South Africa-based ex-internationals. The aim is to raise funds to build a football academy for Rangers International FC of Enugu.
“ Investors have been invited to be part of the event. The investors will also act as scouts for the youths expected to be trained at the academy,” he said.
Onodu said that Enugu was blessed with young football talents who had no opportunity to be exposed.
“ For some reasons beyond them, these youths are not recognized despite their talents. The academy will be used to groom and expose them to the world.
“ It will also serve as a breeding ground for Rangers FC. We are very optimistic that investors will key to this noble project and make it come true,” he said.
Onodu said that former Rangers coaches who have been forgotten would be given special awards on the day of the event.
“ The organisers are aware of the contributions of these great coaches to the success of Rangers. Special awards have been prepared for them. Ex-Rangers players on duty that day will also be given awards for their contributions to the team,” he said.
Onodu said that ex-Nigerian internationals based in South Africa led by Willy Okpara, former Super Eagles and Orlando Pirates of South Africa keeper have intensified training for the match.
