NPFL: Enugu Sacks Chukwu, Rangers Management

• To probe Flying Antelopes’ poor performance in the 2016/2017 season

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Irked by the woeful performances of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu in the just concluded 2016/2017 NPFL season, the Enugu State government has sacked the club’s board and management led by former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu.

Rangers won the 2015/2016 NPFL season after waiting for a major trophy for 32 years but finished in the 13th position with 53 points in the just ended season won by Plateau United.

Speaking during a dinner/post mortem meeting with the club management, players and supporters club last night, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the measure was to ensure the total revitalisation and repositioning of the club for future challenges.

The governor also terminated the appointments of all contract staff of the corporation adding that all staff earlier seconded to Rangers Management Corporation should return to their parent establishments.
“The appointment of the club physician is hereby terminated with immediate effect and all corporation/club property in his custody should be returned forthwith,” he said.

The governor disclosed that a panel of inquiry for a diagnostic investigation of the problems of Rangers FC will be set up to articulate a road map for the club.

“The Rangers Management Corporation law will be amended to align it with the said road map and must specifically enthrone the following: ‘Robust governance structure with clear reporting lines in keeping with international best practices;

“A new Board and Management of Rangers Management Corporation will be constituted with clear and complementary roles for delivery of the strategic goals of the football club as would be enshrined in the proposed amendment in Rangers Management Corporation law;

“The new Rangers Board and Management must hunt and recruit good players directly without any intervening football club. Rangers players must henceforth, be wholly owned by Rangers FC;
“The new Board and Management will identify and engage a competent technical crew,” he said, adding that “the timeline for attainment of the above objectives will be six weeks”.
Gov Ugwuanyi thanked the members of the previous board and management of the corporation for the services rendered to the club and to the state in their respective capacities.

“We also use this opportunity to thank our players in whom we are well pleased and reassure them that they are not part of the matter in issue and their salaries/allowances will be paid as and when due.
“We are grateful to the good people of Enugu State, the entire Igboland and indeed all the great fans and supporters of the Rangers Football Club for their patience and abiding faith as we watched the developments in the Club.

“I promise you, most solemnly, that we will do all that is necessary to positively change the Rangers narrative in the next soccer season,” he said.

The sacked General Manager of the club, Chukwu had earlier dissolved the club’s management.