At 92, Pa Bassey wants a club to coach

He held in his trembling right hand a N2000 ticket as he looked everywhere in vain for a seat. This was not a surprise because as early as 11am, fans had taken up all the available seats so by the time was struggling at the gate to access the stadium, there was even no space […]

He held in his trembling right hand a N2000 ticket as he looked everywhere in vain for a seat. This was not a surprise because as early as 11am, fans had taken up all the available seats so by the time was struggling at the gate to access the stadium, there was even no space to swing a cat.

When it became obvious that he could not find a seat and nobody was willing to offer him one, this reporter moved by respect for his age and the stress he must have endured to enter the stadium, surrendered his seat to him. He accepted the offer with gratitude and released his blessings in appreciation.

His appearance was deceptive. Thus, this reporter instantly doubted the old man’s sight and capacity to withstand the noisy atmosphere. However when the match started, Pa Samuel Bassey did not only conquer the hullabaloo but was among the most vociferous fans.

He cheered every good move made by the Eagles and condemned any that did not live up to his expectations. This reporter who had no option but to sit on the bare floor, at a stage, received a a vicious kick in the back when Pa Bassey got involved in the action from where he sat.

Indeed, it was when the game was heading for a barren draw that Pa Bassey showed the stuff he is made of. He became seriously agitated as he pointed out the mistakes of the Eagles. His anger stemmed from the fact that the team lacked a clinical finisher. “The players are just rushing forward without an idea of how to convert the begging chances. They need to be taught how to score. If they play like this for 24 hours, they won’t score”, he opined.

He mesmerized this reporter and other people around with his energy and knowledge of the game. When Ikechukwu Uche eventually broke the deadlock towards the end of the match, Pa Bassey was among those who jumped to their feet to celebrate the long awaited goal.

When the match ended, this reporter engaged the now elated man in a brief chat. It was an opportunity for him to lead his admirers into his past and what he knows about football.

He said” “I am Samuel A. Bassey. I coached for so many years in Ghana. I made the country’s football great in those days. When I came back to Nigeria I helped Stationery Stores of Lagos to become Champions. Lagos State engaged me to help them and I helped the state to win the Manuwa Adebajo Cup two years in successions. I am a coach who never loses matches.

“I didn’t go for any coaching school but a white man who was a coach for Oyo State team in Ibadan, a Scot, was coaching Ibadan team for Governors Cup, I was there. And so when he finished giving the players a pep talk, I suggested that I had a few points to make. So the man allowed me to speak when I was speaking and analyzing what I saw of the team, the Scot was impressed. He went and told his employers that he had seen a coach who was better than him. He said they should make me the coach and retire him. He retired and left. That was how I started coaching. I coached for the joy of it. I never took money.

“I am 92 years old. But I don’t like disclosing my age because people use it against me. Last time I applied for a coaching job I was denied a chance just because of my age. I still want to coach. If I get a team, it will not fail. Anytime I coach a club, it must emerge champion.

For those who think Pa Bassey is too old to withstand the rigours of coaching, he replied thus: “I am not going to play actively because I don’t have the strength again but I have a sound mind, brain and clear vision. I have mouth to talk. You do not need too much energy to be a good coach”.