The management of Enugu Rangers has handed their players a two-week recess following the conclusion of the 2018/2019 NPFL season in which the club finished third in the final table of the Championship play-offs, Completesports.com reports.
The Coal City Flying Antelopes crashed out of the Aiteo Cup in the Round of 32 following a 2-0 defeat to Lobi Stars in Minna. The club’s management asked the players and technical officials to proceed on a two-week break to rest and refresh after a hectic 2018/2019 season.
“Let me start by thanking you all for the efforts you put in the concluded season,” starts Prince Davidson Owumi – the General Manager of the club, when he addressed the players Monday morning.
“Surely, we would have loved to be champions of the league and perhaps, successfully defend our Aiteo Cup trophy but God knows why we ended this way.
“As we embark on a two weeks break, I urge us to have the needed rest and come back with vigour to challenge on all fronts,” the former NPL and Warri Wolves boss told the players.
Rangers won the Aiteo Cup last year but were unable to defend the silverware this term.
They featured in the CAF second tier inter club competition, CAF Confederation Cup and reached the group stage.
A third place finish in the NPFL Championship Play-offs meant the Antelopes will return to the second tier continental competition, and Prince Owumi feels delighted over the players’ efforts.
“Getting back to the continent is a good feeling, but our target at the start of the season was to be league and Aiteo Cup champions.
“But due to circumstances beyond our efforts, we came up as second runners-up in the league. We thank God for His mercies just as we can’t forget to appreciate the efforts of Enugu state government, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his continued sponsorship of our activities”.
Owumi assures Rangers’ teeming supporters that there will be no room for errors in the coming season on all fronts, stressing that it would be a trophy filled season.
Also speaking at the gathering that served as a thanksgiving session, technical adviser for the side, Olugbenga Ogunbote expresses gratitude to God for a successful season.
“Let me start by thanking God for His goodwill towards the team in the ended season. Also, I must say that this was a very challenging season that saw all of us giving our best to achieve our target which we missed by a few inches, but thankfully, we are going back to the continent to complete what we started this season,” Ogunbote stated.
“It is my hope and belief that the trophies will rain next season.”
By Sab Osuji
