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Zudachi Construction coach Shepherd Amariegbu has expressed confidence in his team’s chances of retaining the Island AllStars PatrickLingo Super League title after kick-starting their campaign with a convincing 4-2 win over Remed Healthcare at the Lagos Business School.
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Zudachi Construction put in an impressive performance in the league opener, with Izuchukwu Agada scoring two goals to help secure the maximum three points and give the team a positive start to their title defence.
Speaking exclusively to SPORTS247 after the match, Amariegbu described the victory as an exciting moment and praised the collective effort of his players.
“It feels exciting, starting the competition with a victory is by the grace of God and the collective effort of the team, led by the captain.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed with joy. We have gotten our first three points and there are still nine games left. “It is a positive start and we hope to build on it as the competition progresses,” he said.
The coach attributed his tactical effectiveness to continuous learning and a deliberate effort to improve his understanding of the game.
“It all comes down to continuous learning and studying the game. I run a football academy and I also spend time studying training methods and improving my knowledge, even while I am president of the club. I think the moment you stop learning, you start to decline,” Amariegbu explained.
After having guided his team to the title in the previous edition, the coach made it clear that preserving the trophy remains the main objective.
“In the previous edition my team won the title and we are the defending champions. We have started another campaign and our goal is to retain the title. I am also a title-winning coach in the Over 45 Soccer Tournament,” he added.
For Amariegbu, effective coaching goes beyond tactics, and player management plays a crucial role in building a successful team.
“As a coach, you have to know how to manage different players, and that’s where game management becomes important. Each player has a unique personality, and understanding those differences helps you manage the team effectively.”
The coach of the current champion also recognized the pressure that comes with being the team to beat.
“I respect all the teams in the competition, but I have even greater confidence in my own team. Our goal is to ensure victory in every game we play,” he said.
“As the coach of the defending champions, we understand that we are a team that others will look to beat. I am also an award-winning coach and we are determined to prove ourselves once again. I want to defend the title and achieve that ambition together as a team.”
Amariegbu also praised the Sports Management Committee for its contribution to the growth of the tournament.
“I congratulate the Sports Management Committee (SMC) for doing an excellent job. Every year, the committee introduces something new to improve the competition, and that spirit of innovation deserves recognition.”
He further commended the executive leadership of Island AllStars Sports Club International, led by High Chief Kenneth Okeke, for their commitment to the continued development of the competition.
With three points already secured, Amariegbu and his Zudachi Construction team will now turn their attention to the remaining matches as they chase another successful PatrickLingo Super League campaign.
