As the highly anticipated final of the 12th Optima Energy Gold Cup approaches, Olumide Ajibolade, head coach of Beyond Limits, has set a clear tone for his team's upcoming clash with Shooting Stars. The match, scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this off-season football tournament.
For Beyond Limits, securing a consecutive victory in the tournament would be an added bonus rather than the primary focus. Ajibolade emphasizes that the team's main goal is to learn and grow through competition. "Our objective is always to learn and compete," Ajibolade asserts. "If we win, it's a bonus. We want our players to gain valuable experience by playing against top teams like Shooting Stars."
Beyond Limits secured their place in the final by edging out FC Ebedei in the semi-finals. Ajibolade reflects on the semi-final match with a clear sense of realism. "The game against FC Ebedei was physically demanding and intense. They played with a lot of duels and pressed us heavily, which made it challenging to break through their defense," he explains. Despite winning by a narrow margin, Ajibolade acknowledges the solid organization of their opponents and the need for his team to adapt and improve.
Ajibolade's philosophy for the tournament is not centered around winning but rather on the developmental aspect of the competition. "I have never approached a tournament with the sole mindset of winning," he reveals. "While people may find it contradictory since we often come out on top, the real focus is on competing effectively and enhancing our players' skills."
The final against Shooting Stars is expected to provide a significant test for Beyond Limits. Ajibolade is hopeful that the game will offer his team further opportunities for development. "Shooting Stars will present a strong challenge, and that's exactly what we need for our players to continue growing," he notes. "Every match is an opportunity to learn and improve."
Looking ahead, Ajibolade anticipates that the final will also serve as a crucial preparation phase for future competitions. "This is pre-season, so our approach remains consistent with our standards of excellence," he says. "We aim to give more players the chance to gain match experience and prepare for upcoming challenges."
In summary, the Optima Energy Gold Cup Final represents more than just a chance for Beyond Limits to add another trophy to their collection. For Olumide Ajibolade and his team, it is an essential step in their ongoing journey of development and competitive preparation. The match against Shooting Stars will be a significant opportunity to test their skills and enhance their readiness for the season ahead.
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