‘We are still discussing’ – Gbenga Ogunbote on 3SC contract extension

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Gbenga Ogunbote has debunked news making the rounds that he has extended his contract with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

With the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2023/2024 season, the former Sunshine Stars gaffer is set to renew his contract with the Oluyole Warriors.

Ogunbote who guided the Ibadan-based side to a fourth-place finish at the end of the season says he negotiating with the Club management but yet to put pen to paper on a contract extension.

“It amazed me when I saw it on the print that I have renewed. I have a Twitter handle and the Club has a Media Officer. If that has happened there is no how you wouldn’t have seen it on the 3SC handle,” Ogunbote told Diamond FM Ilesa, Osun state.

“The important thing is we are still discussing. We have gotten to a reasonable level in the discussions. The discussion is still on and I think people decided to say it just to say it I would react to it or not. Everyone who tried to get information from me, I told them the discussion was on.

“Of course, discussions can be on the telephone and other platforms. The important thing is we are on top of the discussion for the renewal of the contract.”

On the eagerness of 3SC to extend his deal, Ogunbote has seen seriousness in the Club management.

“I think they are very serious about it.” He continued. “We didn’t just start now. The renewal of the contract is behind just talking about Ogunbote coming to work with 3SC. It is a matter of trying to work together to ensure that we achieve much. I think there are signs that there would be light at the end of the tunnel which is very likely. We are very close to the conclusive part of it.”

With 62 points from 38 games, 3SC finished fourth at the end of the 2023/2024 league season missing out on continental football by one point behind Enyimba FC.

“I think it was a mixture of situations in which we had the good and ugly part of it last season.

“We started poorly and the challenges that were later identified, we picked up in the second round. Unfortunately, the ugly aspect of it was that we were unable to make the first three.” He concluded.

Ogunbote guided Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars to continental football qualification and hopes to achieve a similar feat with Shooting Stars when his contract is renewed ahead of the 2024/2025 season.