Ogbe Hard Court has come to stay - Ebewele

28.02.2008

Chairman of the Local Organising committee for the Guinness Ogbe Hard Court Tennis Championship, Brown Ebewele, is thrilled with the success of the tourney which has over 40 foreign-based players in attendance.

Ebewele said the 22nd edition of the championship was unique in the sense that it was taking on the full compliment of the original concept of the tennis fiesta.

“The infrastructures in the stadium have been massively upgraded to meet such standard that is good enough to make the players not only comfortable but also to give their best.

“We have provided more stands for spectators, the courts have been renovated, the toilet which has been a slap on the tournament has been worked upon; no more stinking toilets. We have also put the hospitality and safety of the players first. There is a rest room for the players and officials as well as maximum security personnel. You can see the tournament is getting bigger and bigger”, he said.

The renowned sports coach, who also doubles as Edo State Commissioner for Sports feels elated about the commitment shown by the members of the (LOC who have toiled day and night to ensure the positive atmosphere that participants and followers of the sports have enjoyed so far in this tournament.

“All the members have done their job well. I am just happy for them for complementing my efforts. I can’t do it alone and their support has been great”.

On the match ball controversies that trailed the championship, Ebewele, fondly called “Jujuman” by his admirers, said the LOC relied on the advice got from the consultant, Godwin Kienka, a former national player.

“Kienka is in charge of balls and before the commencement we got the required number of balls butunfortunately, we were given the wrong type. “Right now, we have enough approved balls that will last till the end of the tournament.