Katsina House of Assembly win Sardauna Fives Cup

From JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna
Posted: Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Katsina House of Assembly Fives Club have emerged winners of the 19th Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello Fives Tournament, which was concluded at the Kangiwa Fives Court, Sokoto last Saturday.
New Nigerian Sports gathered yesterday that the feat was achieved after they defeated Gwandu Fives Club 29-13 in the final game which was evenly contested. Third position went to Emir Haruna Fives Club who beat Katsina Royal Garden 28-17 in the third place match, to settle for the fourth position.
Speaking at the tournament, President Fives Federation of Nigeria (FFN) Muhammadu Bala Shagari said that the tournament was organized annually in memory of Sir Ahmadu Bello.
"As we are all aware, this tournament is organized annually by FFN in memory of the late elder statesman Al. Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto.
"No doubt, the reason is to keep the dreams and aspirations of this eminent gentleman who was a player and co-founder of the federation, then an association. May his soul rest in perfect peace," he said.
He said that it was gratifying to note that this year's event was unique as it took place in Sokoto, home of the person in whose honour the tournament was being held.
FFN President thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Governor of Sokoto State Alh. Aliyu Magatarkada Wamakko, who was the chief host for their tremendous support in ensuring the success of the tournament.
He also commended Alh. Aminu Dantata, Alh. Abdulrahman Musa Bashar of Rahmaniyya Oil and Gas and Alh. Dahiru Mangal of MAX Airline for their contributions.
Also speaking, the Zonal Co-ordinator NSC Zone XI Abdullahi Idris informed of NSC's concerted efforts towards the turn around development of sports in Nigeria by the expansion of the zonal sports offices from six to 12.
"I am further instructed to inform you that the 19th edition of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto Fives Championship that we have witnessed for almost a week in the ancient town of the initiator and developer of the game is rated to be the best in terms of organization, and conduct," he said.
Speaking further, he commended the sponsors and urged them to keep sponsoring the game in sustenance of the legacies of the Sardauna, charging other public spirited individuals and corporate organizations to emulate them.
The Zonal Co-ordinator expressed the appreciation of the management of the NSC to the Governor of Sokoto State for his passionate love for sports.
The competition featured 16 fives clubs from across Nigeria, fielding 102 players.
Seven trophies were presented at the end of the tournament.