In a deliberate effort to provide a platform for children who dared to dream, to believe, and in their belief, inspired countless others, the Plateau State Football Association, PFA under the leadership of a tactical administrator, Hon Dr Suleiman Yahaya Kwande revived and repackaged the long abandoned Under 13 football competition, previously known for unearthing talents and uniting the children across the state.
Splendidly named after Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State who is known for his stanch support for youth development through sports particularly football, the competition has witnessed a display of skill, agility and teamwork from 14 Local Governments out of the 17 from the state. Only Barkin Ladi, Quaanpan and Mikang LGAs couldn’t participate thereby denying their children the chance to extend their tentacles of friendship across the state and showcase their football artistry
The week long competition climaxes on Monday, 27th May, 2024 (Children’s Day) with a thrilling final waiting in the wings to be unleashed on the spectators and scouts.
The Much Awaited Final Match: Wase LGA vs Mangu LGA
Wase LGA who are yet to taste defeat in the competition vanquished their next door neighbours, Langtang North in a local derby that produced One goal while Mangu LGA thrashed Jos North, setting the stage for a final that promises to be tantalising. Mangu completed a double over Jos North who were beaten finalist in the Senior Men’s governor’s cup by their senior counterparts.
The journey to the climax began on a day bathed in sunshine, with nature itself seeming to favour the rekindling of this exciting football tournament. The skies listened attentively as the children sang “rain, rain go away…” when the usual downpour that greets visitors as the set their feet in Jos was surprisingly dried
Wase LGA and Langtang North LGA’s teams walked onto the pitch with heads held high and dreams of victory sparkling in their eyes. The match was much more than a game; it was a beacon of unity, bringing together disparate communities to witness the beautiful game’s power to inspire and unite.
Amidst the echoing cheers and animated chanting from the stands of the iconic Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos, the youthful players exhibited a maturity beyond their years. Displaying excellent control and an intricate understanding of the game’s flow.
Wase’s team manoeuvred the ball with an expertise that belied their tender years, earning them a well-fought victory against their worthy opponents from Langtang North. The excitement that trailed the final whistle knew no bounds, as Wase basked in a 0-1 win
Mangu LGA’s triumph over Jos North was no less dramatic. Against the run of play, each move Jos North made on the pitch was a chess piece, advancing with tactical precision, rendering their adversaries’ attempts futile.
However, football, they said is measured by goals and not mesmerizing skills. While Jos North young footballers, just like their senior counterparts opted for classic display that will leave indelible memory on the minds of the exciting fans, their Mangu opponents were only driven by goals. The 2-0 scoreline came from the two shots they mustered on target drawing resounding applause and standing ovation from the stands
The impending clash between Wase LGA and Mangu LGA promised to be a mouth-watering encounter. The prospect of witnessing the best of young talent collide in a showcase of technique and passion for the game will be enthralling.
preceding the final will be all losers contest between Langtang North and Jos North
PFA To Honour Some Illustrious Sons And A Daughter:
In an attempt to strike a balance between the legends who were awarded by the PFA led by Hon Dr Suleiman Yahaya Kwande in Mangu during the senior men’s governor’s cup and the administrators, notable football administrators of repute including three former Ministers of Youth and Sports Development, Hon Damishi T. Sango, Hon Mark Ishaya Aku (Posthumous) and Hon Solomon Selcap Dalung will be bestowed with LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Others include Proprietors of defunct JC Raiders, Hon Lumumba Dah Adeh and JUTH FC, Prof Ishaya Pam, Alh Alhassan Yakmut etc while the only female to be awarded is Hon Caroline Panglang Dafur, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development who has been dogged and resolute in defending the Plateau child
