Following an emphatic win against Al Akhdar SC of Libya in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff, Plateau State Commissioner of Sport has disclosed that Plateau United are highly motivated to progress.
Dung Dalyop spoke to newsmen after the 4-1 in Abuja sounding confident of the team's progression to the next round of the competition even with perceived antics from the North African team in the second leg.
"Well, I can tell you for a fact that the boys have been motivated to succeed in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“For instance, if you know what Plateau United used to be in the past and you begin to juxtapose that with what Plateau United is now, you will have a better understand of what I am saying.
“The team is highly motivated indeed. Of course, motivation is a subjective term we don’t want to go into.
“But then in monetary terms and giving the players their dues, Plateau United players and the management as well as our fans are highly motivated,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that the club management as well as the State Government are very much aware of the antics of the North Africans ahead of the second leg.
He said all hands are on deck to ensure that the team qualifies for the group stage of the competition against all odds.
“Its always a sad commentary when you talk about football in Africa – When you see how football has not developed beyond what we want it to be.
“But then, we are not going to lose hope. We are optimistic that someday, somehow African football will go beyond what it is today.
“Having said that, we are not worried about the antics of our North African brothers.
“We are still on track. We have a winning formula and we intend to stick to it,” he said.
The second leg between the two teams will happen next week in Libya.
By Uche Dozie