With the successful conduct of the draws, all is now set for the take-off of the 2024 Bayelsa State Football League.
From the draws, 16 teams will be jostling for the Bayelsa State League trophy. The 16 teams are pooled into four groups.
The winners of each group automatically qualifies for the semi finals of the league.
From the outcome of the draws, Foundation FC, De Rhema FC, Bayelsa Stars FC and Kingdom Stars FC fall into Group "A". The matches in this group will be decided at the Swali pitch.
Group "B" has Celeb United FC, Advanced Dream Boys FC, Afini FC and Creek FC. The Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS) centre, Ovom will play host to teams in Group B.
Kpansia centre is where Group "C" teams, comprising Excellent FC, Saturday FC, Donbai FC and Citiboi FC, will be doing battle.
Movers FC of Otuasega, who incidentally are champions of Ogbia Local Government Area, United FC, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) FC and Silina FC will be squaring up against each other in Group D, with the matches to be decided at the Elebele centre.
Games in groups "C" and "D" will kick-off on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Kpansia and Otuesega centres while matches involving teams in group "A" will be decided on Monday, August 19. Matches in group "B" will kick-off on Tuesday, August 20.
Bayelsa Stars FC are the defending champions of the state league. They will be aiming to repeat the feat of last season by defending the trophy. Whether or not they will succeed remains to be seen.
While speaking during the conduct of the draws at Latik Hotel, INEC Road, Kpansia, Chairman of the State Football League, Mr. Perela Aboroson disclosed that the prize money for the winner of the tournament is N500,000.00 while the runners-up will smile home with N250,000.00.
He also said the eventual winner of the Bayelsa State League will represent the state in the national division one play-offs while the second placed team will play in the national youth league.
Continuing, Perela Aboroson asked the players and coaches to be professional in all their conduct, stressing that unprofessionalism would not be entertained.
He assured all the participating teams of unbiased officiating and charged them to abide by the rules of the game.
Speaking on their state of preparedness, secretary of the state Football Association, Nwankwe said they are very ready, adding that by the grace of God, they will deliver a successful league.
