Inspector Segun Olatunde is the new Chief Coach of Police Machine Football Club of Lagos. He spoke about his plans for the team and his coaching career with SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Q: On 15 May, 2009, you were appointed as the Chief Coach of Police Machine of Lagos, what are your plans for the team?
A: We are planning for the Boska Cup now. We will also take part in the Inspector General of Police Cup and next year’s Lagos State Challenge Cup. We are also planning to play tune-up matches with Shooting Stars Football Club (3SC) of Ibadan and Gateway Football Club of Abeokuta. These and many other plans are what I have in store for the team.
Q: As a Police officer, how do you intend to instill discipline in the team?
A: Discipline is the watchword of Nigeria Police. As I am in charge now, I want to rebrand the Police Machine Football Club. I will put in place a code of conduct that all the players must follow. My target is that in the next few months, the management and supporters of the team will see a new team.
Q: Can you reveal some of the rules in the code of conduct?
A: I have told my players to stop coming late to training. Players should also come with their complete kits to training. No player should bring his girl friend to training. Above all, players should respect one other either during matches or training sessions. Any player found guilty of this code of conduct will be punished.
Q: Do you think it will be possible for you to instill discipline in the team because some of the players may not be disciplined from their home?
A: Don’t forget that all the players are equally Police officers. They know the importance of discipline. My coming to Police Machine is to rebrand the team and build a solid foundation for other coaches that will take over from me in the nearest future.
Q: Any challenges facing the team now?
A: We still need more balls for our training sessions. By the time we have enough balls, we will be able to do a lot of things in the training.
Q: Where did you start your coaching career?
A: I started in 1986 with the defunct Olowolagba FC. I also handled the defunct Ultimate Shooters before I moved to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) football team in 1997/1998. It was the last club before my appointment at Ikeja FC.
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