The Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, Prof. Taiwo Lateef commended the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) of the hospital for floating a football team.
Lateef, who led top members of staff of the Hospital to watch training of the team on Thursday, said he was impressed with the zeal of the team in projecting the health institution positively.
He said the team would bring unity of purpose and healthy rivalry within the institution.
The medical director assured the team of his support whenever necessary and tasked members of staff to take advantage of the sporting facilities provided in keeping themselves healthy.
The Chairman of the MHWUN in the institution, Mr Atule Emmanuel told newsmen that the team was being funded by the union, adding that the team would be supported to qualify into the national Division One League.
“Our intention is to form a club that will play in Division One, so that we can discover talents that will play for the national team from our hospital,” he said.
According to him, other unions will be co-opted to support the team.
He stated that he was optimistic that the team would get corporate sponsorship and reap from the publicity they would get.
Earlier, the technical Adviser/Chief Coach of the team, Paul Hossana said the team was working hard to make progress and expressed the hope tat it would blend and become a force to reckon with.
“We have played several friendly matches and I am convinced that my players are ready to shine.
“I appreciate the medical director, Prof. Sheikh and I am urging the players and entire management of the hospital to support me fully so that we can move this team to a higher level together,” he said.
Meanwhile, the institution is billed to host a sports fiesta, as other institutions which include the Federal Medical Centre Lafia, and the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna have indicated interest to participate.