11th November, 2010
Kemac Emina is the Secretary General of Gbagada Grassroots Sports Association. He has been organising football competition for many years. He spoke on how fake football organisers are dragging back grassroots football in Lagos and other issues with Grassroots Soccer Guide
How would you rate grassroots football in Lagos?
There is tremendous improvement in the grassroots football in the last few years. More clubs are coming up. But it is unfortunate that there are more fake football organisers and they have killed the game at the grassroots level in Lagos.
What do you mean that fake football organisers have killed grassroots football in Lagos?
Fake football organisers are the problem of grassroots football in Lagos. Most of the problems being encountered in one competition or the other are the handiwork of fake organisers. They lie to clubs, sponsors and journalists because of their selfish interest.
How can we differentiate between fake and genuine organisers?
The fake organisers collect money from clubs without organising competitions. They  even go the extra mile to arrange a final match for two teams without kicking the ball. The fake organisers do not use good officials and personnel to manage the competition very well. That’s why there are violence and hooliganism in some competitions because the organisers are not properly trained for such jobs.
What measures have been put in place by the Lagos FA to stop fake grassroots football organisers?
I’ve not seen any sign, the Lagos FA may have put such measure to curb their activities, but they look unstoppable. They need to help grassroots football to grow, unless the round leather game will suffer at the local level.
Do you agree that grassroots football organisers need training?
Lagos State football Association must help grassroots football. Many of we organisers are not competent to organise standard competitions. I will be happy if the Lagos FA can organise seminars for us.
What other things do you expect from the Lagos FA ?
The Lagos FA should create grassroots football department, where genuine organisers can go for technical and logistic support. I also want the Lagos FA to organise seminars for grassroots coaches and football organisers to keep them informed about the new rules and regulations governing the game.
Gbagada Grassroots Sports Association has been organising the Mamora Cup for years, tell us about the competition?
The competition improves every year. Many clubs across the state take part in the championship because our association ensure it’s fair and transparent. We don’t believe that home teams must win the trophy at all cost, so the tourney is well organised and officiated according to the rules.
What are the challenges facing your association?
We have financial constraints to organise a big competition. We want to compete with the Lagos Football Division, Ikeja Football Division and even the Lagos FA. If we have enough resources like these associations, we would have organised competitions that will shake Lagos State.
Are you saying that most of the competitions you organised were not sponsored?
You are correct. Most times, we raise money among ourselves to organise competitions for the clubs in our area. We also use the gate fees raised in a competition to organise other tourneys.
What about Mamora Cup?
That is the only competition sponsored every year by Senator Olorunibe Mamora. Apart from the competition, we raise money among ourselves to organise competitions.
When would you quit as a football organiser?
When the time comes to quit, I will let you know (Laughs).
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