Newly appointed Sunshine Stars head coach Duke Udi has said that his main task at the Nigeria Professional Football League side is to keep the team in the top flight action.
The former Osun United coach, who took over from the former Super Eagles manager, Austin Eguavoen, who resigned his appointment with the Owena Waves in uncertain circumstances after barely two months at the Akure top-flights, said he is not scared of the seemingly daunting task at Sunshine Stars but will need all hands on deck to navigate the side out of the troubled water.
The former Nigerian international will resume full training with the Akure Landlords during the week after an initial talk with the coaches and players on Monday.
“Everything is fine at Sunshine Stars; the reception is warm both from the management, coaches, players as well as the members of the supporters club.
“I interacted with the coaches and players on arrival on Monday, though formal training will start on Tuesday.
“Good enough our scheduled NPFL matchday 26 clash at Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC at the weekend has been moved to midweek due to the Muslim Sallah holidays so we will have quality time to prepare together for the clash.
“We will fight very hard to escape relegation and I’m ready for the battle to keep Sunshine in the top-flight.
“I have already charged the players to be ready to work; Sunshine Stars still have quality to keep them afloat.
“I demanded 100 per cent discipline. Once the players are tactically disciplined the work will be a lot easier.
“The battle to stay alive is achievable and possible, I have confidence in myself, I equally have the confidence of the management to deliver the goods.
“I believe the task is do-able, I cannot fail the acid test at Sunshine Stars.
“Of course, it’s done and dusted, I’m the head coach of Sunshine Stars and will take charge of the side’s campaign in the remainder of the on-going top-flight,” said Udi said.
The Akure outfit is 17th on the 20-team top-flight log on 30 points, 15 behind league leaders Plateau United.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
