The head coach of Ajase Ipo Volleyball Club, Taiye Afelele has highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated standard volleyball court for training in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
This request follows Ajase Ipo’s impressive performance, where they secured third place in the 2024 National Division 2 Volleyball League held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Afelele shared with www.aclsports.com that the club’s biggest challenge is securing a dedicated training court and sufficient amenities.
He urged prominent philanthropists from Ajase-Ipo to make significant investments in sports, as it serves as a vital platform for engaging youth, uncovering hidden talents, and helping them avoid idleness.
Dare Kuti of www.aclsports.com had a chat with him in Ilorin on many issues concerning the volleyball club.
Aclsports: What are your thoughts on Ajase Ipo’s third-place finish at the 2024 National Division 2 Volleyball League?
Afelele: This is a great achievement not only for the club but the community.
In 2023, we made our debut in the National League, where both players and coaches faced the challenges of competing on a bigger stage for the first time. Despite a modest performance in our inaugural season, the team’s resilience and determination laid the foundation for future success.
With improved skills, teamwork, and invaluable experience gained from the previous year, the team showed remarkable progress this season, finishing 3rd place in the National League. It shows the rapid development of the young players who are now better prepared to face higher levels of competition ahead of them.
Aclsports: What challenges did the club face before, during, and after the league?
Afelele: It’s never been easy I must say. Ajase Ipo VC is a baby team, which is currently crawling towards becoming a household in Nigeria Volleyball.
Before the league, our biggest challenge is securing a dedicated training court and adequate amenities. Currently, we do not have a home of our own; instead, we share a court and other training facilities with neighbouring teams. This arrangement makes it difficult to keep our players updated, athletic, and fit.
During the league, we usually face financial hardships. It has not been easy but all appreciation to the National Executive, Ajase-Ipo Descendant Union for taking the team as their own and taking up the sponsorships on themselves with the assistance of the team Patron, (Alh Sikiru Aliu), and team Matron, (Alh Shakirat Aroworowon).
The team Chairman and the President ADU National Executive (Alh Maruf Musa), the team Executive Director and ADU National PRO (Chief Hammed Aiyedun Baba IGBOMINA) for their unwavering support for the team and for going out of their way and beyond to see us participate in the National League despite the hardships knocking the Nigeria economy and individuals.
We appreciate their kindest gestures and promise to always be a good ambassador, representing them and the community in the federation.
-After the league, the major challenge we will be facing is how to engage the players’ off-season. To keep them together still and importantly, participating in some local games around, organizing in-house competitions among them or between them and other invited teams in the state and close by. All these cannot be achieved without finances.
Aclsports: How have you been able to maintain players for the club?
Afelele: This is not by my wisdom, knowledge, or power but by God’s guidance.
All these players are mature and they get several call-ups from other prominent teams. They all want to make ends meet. 80% of them are still students and have a vocation to assist their parents with the pressing school bills and still, their passion for volleyball keeps them driving.
The love we share is rooted in mutual respect and honesty, with loyalty flowing from them to me. Our bond is strengthened by deep conversations and a shared understanding. While I offer limited support when I can, we remain focused on building our empire together, hopeful that the future will bring brighter opportunities and abundant rewards.
I frequently wish I could provide them with stipends or put them on payroll to assist with their transportation to training, but I’m not in a position to do so at the moment. I have faith that God will open doors for us and provide the support we need in the future.
Aclsports: What message do you have for prominent philanthropists from Ajase-Ipo scattered across the country?
Afelele: My appeal to all distinguished members of the Ajase-Ipo community, both at home and abroad, is to please support our sponsors and the team. We cannot achieve our goals alone. It’s essential to prioritize sporting activities in our community, as they provide a platform for engaging our youth, discovering hidden talents, and steering them away from idleness.
Volleyball is a rapidly growing sport worldwide, making it a worthwhile investment. With your help, Ajase-Ipo can become a center of attraction and a world-class venue for various sporting activities by creating a conducive and well-equipped environment for sports. I pray that God blesses each of you and inspires a commitment to place Ajase-Ipo first in our hearts.
Aclsports: Lastly, what message do you have for those who believe in the club?
Afelele: I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who believes in the team and consistently supports our journey toward success.
Their contributions have been the driving force propelling us forward. May their pockets be replenished, their wealth multiplied, and their health sustained. We are committed to making them proud, as it is our top priority. We are grateful to God for their support and truly appreciate every one of them.”
