By ANDRE BISYIT
The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Mwolpun, has received the victorious Mangu Under-13 football team at his office following their unbeaten campaign that saw them emerge champions of the recently concluded Plateau State Governor’s Cup.
A statement signed by Jeremiah Dakahap, Director of Press and Publicity to the Chairman, and made available to THE NIGERIA STANDARD Sports Desk, stated that the team was led by the Chairman of the Mangu Amateurs Football Association (MAFA), Garba Audu, to formally present the trophy to the council chairman.
The colourful reception was attended by the Deputy Chairman, Nuhu Yakwen, supervisory councillors, directors and other council appointees.
Addressing the young champions, Mwolpun described their triumph as a reflection of unity, resilience and hard work.
“I’m proud that you’ve brought joy and honour to Mangu LGA at such a young age. Your unbeaten record tells me you believed in yourselves and in each other. That same spirit will take you far in life, not just in football,” the chairman said.
In recognition of their achievement, he rewarded the entire team and reiterated his commitment to the development of grassroots sports in the local government area.
He also announced that outstanding players from the championship-winning squad would receive special recognition and rewards.
The chairman further advised the players to remain focused and avoid negative influences that could derail their careers.
“Shun drugs and bad friends. Your career is just starting. Protect it with discipline, and the sky will be your limit,” he counselled.
Also speaking, the Supervisory Councillor for Social Services, Patience Amos, congratulated the team on their remarkable achievement and commended the chairman for his consistent support for youth and sports development initiatives.
She further pledged a set of jerseys to the team and promised a pair of football boots for the highest goalscorer among the players during the tournament.
Earlier, the Chairman of MAFA, Garba Audu, thanked the Chairman for sponsoring the team throughout the competition and appealed for sustained collaboration between the council and football stakeholders to help discover and nurture more talents within the local government area.
The visit concluded with a special prayer for the team offered by Rev. Jephthah Damwash, Chaplain of Mangu Local Government Area.