“Kasam’s win was a surprise for me” - Olawale

Ibrahim Ahmed Olawale, President of new football kids on the block KASAM FC of Ilorin says the essence of the Optima Energy Gold Cup was a tool to measure his team's development, as he not overwhelmed by the win against Ijebu United. 

Olawale told Optima Energy Gold Cup media channel of his team earned their debut win in the opening fixture on Thursday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. 

"The victory against Ijebu United in our Optima Energy Gold Cup debut, got me suprised, looking at the status of Ijebu United, them being a top side in the Nigeria National League and runners-up in last year's edition of the preseason tourney. 

"My team is new and has a mix of players who have not really had a feel of top professional football. The result is massive for the team as  our goal is to use the Optima Energy Gold Cup platform to bridge the gap in the team. 

"Going forward, it's a developmental process for KASAM FC, the game against Ijebu United has exposed to us our weakness and strength, and from there solutions will be proffered to where we're lacking."

Asked about the mission and objective of setting up the football academy. 

"The brain behind KASAM FC, is the coming of football business minds and having a blueprint of European basic football club administration, players development vis-a-vis playing top quality football. 

"As regards the business part of the game, we are much interested in it, the European market and also open to profit driven partnership that can expand the academy. This is why we have set a standard for ourselves as we know that the football market is global. 

"Every team that's taking part in the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup want to win, but for KASAM FC, we are using this platform as one of the tools to measure our development. 

"However with the Ijebu United hurdle  crossed, we will be taking the matches as they come, make good use of our chances moving forward as we have more tough matches to play. 

"I also want to use this medium to commend the Optima Energy Gold Cup organisers for a job well done, the off-season tourney has shown why it's sought after by top clubs in the three divisions of Nigeria league. 

"The level of organization, standard and caliber of teams in tourney just makes it professional and a platform to shape teams and players for the new season and football market."