Akwa United unveils new coach

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The new Technical  Adviser of Akwa  United Football Club, Coach Zakari Baraje has been officially unveiled.

Presenting Coach Baraje before the fans and members of the press on Monday at the Uyo township stadium, the Chairman of Akwa United Management, Obong Isong Isang said it was necessary for the supporters of the team as well as the entire Akwa Ibom people to know the new Technical Adviser before the team move to camp in preparation of the new football season that is starting few weeks from now. “It was important to let supporters know the new Technical Adviser, because the team is moving to camp today and we felt it will not be right if you people do not know him, because you people are partners in this business.”

Isong Isang said Zakari Baraje is a known name in the Nigerian Premier League and that he has handled some top clubs in the country as well as won trophies to show, adding that was why the Management of Akwa United decided to give Baraje the opportunity to lead the team for one year in order for him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the club.

Responding to questions from pressmen, the new Technical Adviser, Coach Zakari Baraje who hails from Niger State, said he has handled clubs to include: Ruma Rocks FC, Niger Tornados FC, NNPC Kaduna FC, GIB Rocks FC, El-Kanemi Warriors, Kaduna United, Plateau United, Gombe United, Shooting Stars, Sunshine FC, Dolphin FC, Enyima FC of Aba and many other top clubs in the Nigerian Premier League.

Baraje promised that while his one year contract lasted, he will meet up with the target of the Management of the club which is to win a continental ticket at the end of the season. According to him “Even if the Management did not give me any target, I have a target of my own and the target is by the grace of God, we want to be among the four teams in the league.”

The veteran tactician disclosed that he inherited 14 retained players and that he has brought in 12 new players to the club, adding that some players are from the feeder’s Akwa Starlets FC as well as local players from the state, while some are from other Premier League clubs outside the state.

He thanked the management of Akwa United for giving him the opportunity the coach the team and call for cooperation and meaningful suggestions from supporters in order for the club to succeed and achieve it set goals. 

Baraje succeeds the immediate past Coach of Akwa United, Coach Patrick Udoh who was sacked after leading the team to finished just a point above the relegated pack in 16th place on the league table last season.