Rangers coach, Maikaba: Flying Antelopes ready for start of new NPFL season

Technical adviser of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C, Coach Abdul Maikaba, has assured the club’s

numerous supporters that the team was fully ready for the start of the new league season after the unimpressive display in

the Lagos preseason tournament recently.

In a chat, Thursday, after one of the team’s training sessions since resumption after the Christmas break, the widely

experienced and traveled tactician said that his wards have overcome the shock from the preseason tournament and worked

hard to have a great 2022/2023 football season.

‘Actually, I can say that we have reached the peak of our preparations and the boys are responding very well, especially

after the shock in Lagos.

‘We needed to work harder and the boys have been giving their best to catch up with the level needed for the start of the

season. I am thrilled with the progress and I believe that we are very, very ready for the kickoff of the league on

January 8, 2023,’ stated Maikaba.

On the movement of the team to Awka to prosecute its matches due to the fact that rehabilitation work at the Nnamdi

Azikiwe stadium is not completed, Maikaba said, ‘I think we played about half of last season in Awka and we did not lose

any match but had three drawn games which go a long way to show that even if it was in Enugu, that may be the best we can

get.

‘I believe we have won so many important games in Awka and we have gotten used to the place over time, just as the

people there have gotten used to us and coming out in their numbers to support us during games and I am sure more will be

coming out to support us in our games this time around.’

Coach Maikaba further said that the team’s target was to be amongst the top six at the end of the regular season from

where it will be targeting a top-three finish which translates to a continental ticket with his eyes fixed on emerging the

league champions to cart home the considerable cash reward.

In another development, the club’s management successfully acquired the services of former Giant Brillers F.C’ attacking

midfielder, Austine Onyemaechi, and striker, Kingsley Maduforo who is joining from Heartland F.C. Both players have been

distinguishing themselves in training and practice matches since teaming up with the Enugu side.