Felix Odionye, the acting team manager of Salt City FC, says the maiden screening of players for the newly-floated soccer outfit will begin soon.

Mr Odionye disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the exercise, to be held in four phases from October 27, would take place inside the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium.

“The screening is to select good players in preparation for our debut appearance in the national league’s 2021/22 football season. The first phase of the exercise will last from October 27 to November 6 with players from the five local government areas of Ebonyi South Senatorial District,” said the team manager.

He added, “The LGAs include Ohaozara, Onicha, Ivo, Afikpo North, and Afikpo South.”

The exercise would hold from midday to 4:00 p.m.

He also mentioned that from November 1 to November 3, players from Ebonyi Central District, consisting of Ikwo, Ishielu, Ezza North, and Ezza South LGAs, would hold theirs from midday to 4:00 p.m.

“Players from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, consisting Abakaliki, Izzi, Ebonyi and Ohaukwu LGA’s, will be screened from November 4 to November 6, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., said Mr Odionye. “Open and final screening will hold from November 8 to November 13 between 9 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This final screening is for selected players from the three districts and exceptional ones from other states.”

It also stated that the training and engagement of the team in friendly matches would commence on November 22.

“This is to adequately prepare the team for the challenges of the forthcoming football season,” Mr Odionye further stated. “The players are, however, expected to take care of their personal needs during the screening.”

(NAN)