Montpellier, France – Na so dem yarn say former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka don land new position as head coach of Montpellier women’s football team. This big news follow after dem sack the former coach, Frédéric Mendy. Utaka, wey don dey 43 years old, go dey work with Baptiste Merle till the end of the season. Dem go still get support from Jean-Louis Saez, the sporting director of the team.
This appointment na big step for Utaka as e dey make history as the only African head coach wey dey work for di French women’s top division. Na him dey carry the flag for all African coaches wey dey try break into Europe. E don play for Montpellier as player before, helping dem win Ligue 1 title for 2011-2012 season. E even score two crucial goals for di final match wey give dem di trophy, no be small.
Since Utaka retire for 2018, na im dey build him coaching career, no be play small. E don learn plenty tactics, and earn im UEFA A Licence in 2022. Di man dey work as an assistant coach for Montpellier’s U19 men’s team before this promotion come land. Now, e don get di top job for di women’s team at a time when dem dey strive to shift gears in di league.
Currently, Montpellier women’s team dey fifth for di French Division 1, don gather 27 points after 19 matches. Dem dey 11 points behind Bordeaux wey dey third place. PSG and Lyon dey lead di way, but with Utaka for di wheel, na im dey hope anytin fit happen. E go lead dem alongside Ifeoma Onumonu, di striker wey join di team earlier dis year.
Utaka sabi calm leadership and e dey bring experience wey no fit measure. Di man don play for different countries, from Nigeria to Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey. E go dey try bring positive football style wey go focus on teamwork and attacking play. Na wetin we dey expect from him, abi?
Under him leadership, dem dey look to grow di competitive spirit of Montpellier Féminin. E be like say di team go dey aim high to compete no small for di French women league. Di passion wey Utaka carry come from im playing days don position am to initiate a devastating impact for dis team. And as e dey settle down for di job, na so every football lover dey watch with keen interest.
Off di pitch, Utaka no just sit down dey collect salary. E get John Utaka Football Academy for Minna, Nigeria, wey dey train young talents. So, di man dey serious about nurturing di next generation of footballers wey go take over di game. With all dis gbege and aspirations, John Utaka don set to turn things around for Montpellier Féminin. Na wa o! Di future looks promising!
