By Femi Atolagbe

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Grassroots football clubs across Akure metropolis have begun intense preparation for the much awaited 13th edition of the annual Ijapo Soccer League.
Ijapo Ages Football Sport Club (IAFSC) are not left out in the preparation for the competition to be hosted by Tubaba Football Scouting Academy Network at Ijapo/Housing field.
The Ijapo Ages FC in their early preparation have involved in many friendly games with Local rivals such as Weli Weli FC from Oda town and Elite Football Club, FUTA.
The encounter between Ijapo Ages FC decided at the Ijapo Housing field Akure ended 4-2 in favour of the host team, Ijapo Ages FC.
While second match between Weli Weli and FC with the Ijapo Ages team B ended in 1-3 in favour of the visiting Weli Weli FC.
The club’s coach, Karimu Michael said his team lost the second match to injuries, saying his two center defenders and a midfielder were injured before first half.
All the teams displayed beautiful football artistry to the delight of the football lovers in the axis .
The mainbowl of the mini stadium full to it’s brim while traders smiling home for a good patronage.
Some of the spectators that spoke with Sporting Hope ,conceded that Ondo State is blessed with untapped talents, but called on ministry of youth and Sports Development to scout for raw talents that can do the state proud in future.
According to them, “the management of Sunshine Stars is not left out in this regards, they should set up a team to be going round the state capital and spot where youths are playing football in the state capital, we can assure you that they will discover talent that could fit into the Sunshine Stars without stress .
“This they noted that could also in future turn to IGR for the state in future, I they can look beyond established players and come down to grassroots to scout , this would address the financial bottleneck of the team.”