The much-anticipated 9th edition of the Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup is set to deliver fresh excitement as the organizers roll out new strategies to expand the competition’s reach, even as one of its notable teams, Kalaring United, will be missing from the competition due to ongoing disputes.
Speaking shortly after the draws were conducted on Monday, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Promise Uwaeme, assured fans and stakeholders that this year’s edition will be unique. According to him, the innovation of taking the round of 16 matches to three local government centres marks a new beginning in the competition’s history.
“This year, we are doing everything possible to ensure that fans and teams are not disappointed. For the first time, the round of 16 will be held across three local government centres. It’s going to be a big task, but we must take this tournament to the people. Our long-term aim is to see every local government host the finals, provided their stadiums meet the standard,” Uwaeme explained.
While stressing that the organisers were not focused on offering bigger prize money or incentives, he said the main goal is to ensure fairness and satisfaction for all. “As long as at the end of the day every team that plays in the competition is happy, satisfied, and not cheated, that is our goal,” he added.
On the absence of Kalaring United from this year’s edition, Uwaeme disclosed that the team had taken the competition to a regular court in the last edition, a move that contravened tournament rules. He explained that although the organisers were confident of winning the case, they initially sought a peaceful resolution through the community.
“The issue is between Kalarin United FC, the Kalarin community itself, and us. We won in court, but for them to come back, they must fulfil certain conditions, including paying the cost of litigation. Unfortunately, the community failed to control their team and instead gave us conditions for reinstatement. Until they are ready to comply, they remain out,” he stated.
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Despite the setback, Uwaeme maintained that the competition remains strong and continues to grow with every challenge. “Every edition we fight battles, but we get stronger. They started fighting, we started winning, and we are getting stronger,” he affirmed even as one of its notable teams, Kalaring United, will be missing from the competition due to ongoing disputes.
In his final message to participating teams, Uwaeme emphasised the importance of fair play and integrity. “My advice to the clubs is simple: come clean, play clean, win clean. If you cheat and you are caught 100%, you will lose the point. As long as I’m involved, there will be no compromise,” he warned.