Shooting Stars unveils Festus Allen as new coach

Nigeria Premier League side, Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Friday confirmed the appointment of Festus Allen as their new coach after signing a year deal with the former Bukola Babes (now ABS FC) gaffer.

Mr. Allen thus replaces former Coach, Fatai Amoo who handled the Oluyole Warriors in the past two seasons.

Prior to his latest appointment, Mr. Allen was the technical adviser of Lagos based non- league side, City of David where he carved a niche for himself just as he did while in the Nigeria Premier League.

Mr. Allen, who won NPL’s coach of the month award on several occasions last season,  told reporters in Ibadan that he is satisfied with the terms of the contract handed him by the Oluyole Warriors.

“I’m happy and honoured to be appointed as the coach of a big club like 3SC with so much tradition. I’ve signed a one-year contract and I am ready to give my best to the club,” he said

Mr. Allen’s appointment as 3SC head coach takes immediate effect as he has been charged by the Oyo State Governor to bring back the good times to 3SC.

Governor’s charge

Governor Ajimobi challenged Mr. Allen to win trophy for the state after a long time without any piece of silverware.
“Shooting Stars were the first Nigerian club to win an international trophy when they won the African Cup Winners Cup in 1976. Please you have to deliver and leave up to the expectations because we know you can do it that was why we appointed you,” Mr. Ajimobi said.

Friday’s unveiling of Mr. Allen thus ends weeks of speculation in which former Enugu Rangers’ coach, Alphonsus Dike,  was reported to have secured the job.

3SC will kick off their 2011/12 season by playing host to Sharks on January 8. The team will however play a friendly match with another premier league side, Kwara United, on Saturday where Allen is expected to watch proceedings before taking over affairs fully at the club.

Mr. Allen was presented with a brand-new Kia Cerato car by the  Oyo State governor after the unveiling ceremony.