National Union of Professional Footballers of Benin : A progress report that impresses

Far from being a rebellious union structure, the National Union of Professional Footballers of Benin (UNFPB) which is a support union, remains committed to the promotion of values ​​in the Beninese sporting environment. During a press conference held this Friday 3 May in the premises of the Labor Exchange in Cotonou, the office chaired by Beninese international Romuald Boco made this known with a progress report which is already impressive.

They are more determined than ever to move forward. The executive office of the National Union of Professional Footballers of Benin knows that the mission will not be easy for them. Reason why, they arm themselves with courage and self-sacrifice to achieve their goals. This is to answer the quote “Who travels far must take care of his mount”. Less than two months from their third candle, it is clearly obvious for the UNFPB to carry out a progress review exercise and consider prospects. According to Wenceslas Tèko, Vice-president in charge of communications of the UNFPB, the results are generally positive. “Which is justified by the strong support of active players in the national football championship, is 72% affiliated with UNFPB », he said before adding that that’s not all : “The association recorded 54 case of referral regarding disputes between players and recruiting clubs. Today, UNFPB records more than 487 members including 23 membership signatures of internationals who are currently in the national team. In two years we have the status of observer member at Fifpro level.. Even if we judge this number not yet too, in so little time, we can rub our hands and continue the awareness work to have an even more impressive number. Because it is a record to be compared with what is done under other skies”. He took the opportunity to thank the young Minister of Sports, Benoît Dato, who he says positions himself “as additional motivation, let’s say a moral spur to go far and who also has the sense of listening”. The Vice-President in charge of communications of the UNFPB did not fail to salute the in-depth work of the Beninese Football Federation whose reforms are truly bearing fruit.

“The UNFPB is in demand and strongly courted and is also a textbook example throughout the continent”, adds Léonce Aïssoun, responsible for international relations while specifying “We will do our best to ensure that leaders who are not yet convinced of our mission are convinced. Because we only want the development of Beninese football”.

The work confirms Wenceslas Tèko is not as easy for the members of the UNFPB who are sometimes limited in their mediation or lobbying. “To all this, Added to this are the financial difficulties inherent to any voluntary and militant organization for a noble cause.. But we have hope”.  All we ask is that certain leaders no longer consider us as a rebellious union so that we work hand in hand. Because he confides “we have the impression that the union in Benin means a standoff even though we are partners”.

Note that Wenceslas Tèko and Léonce Aïssoun were accompanied by Iskilou Gambari (Deputy Deputy President for Organization) accompanied by Philippe Teko (President of the Women's Football session)

Damien TOLOMISSI