LBS DEAN’S CUP 2023 – FIRST OUTING

Football is a team sport where you win together and you lose together. The old football saying that Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM) was evident at the first match of my class (EMBA 28) at the LBS Dean’s cup, 2023.

On the 4^th of February, we had a session with Henry Onukwuba (Senior Fellow HRM/OB, LBS), where he informed us of the upcoming Dean’s cup 2023 and the expected involvement/participation of my class. The fixture for the Dean’s cup was subsequently shared after the session. The opening ceremony of the tournament held on March 25, 2023, with two matches played between MMBA class 4/3 vs MBA 21 and EMBA 27 vs MEMBA 11.

My class played her first match on April 1, 2023, there were great displays of dribbling talents, body movement, and mastery of ball control from the team. It was indeed an interesting game! The stellar performance of the goalkeeper (Olufemi Makinde) and the excellent goal saves made the game most interesting. The keeper was able to save several direct shots on the goal post. The team comprised of Sinmi (the governor), Olanrewaju, Grant, Taiwo, James, Adedayo, Ganiu, Ahmed, Otas, Akinwande, Saliu, Okey, Austin and of course the goal keeper – Femi (tagged ‘Man of the Match’) played professional and stylish football with MBA 21. With the exhibited display of team play, I would like to analyse the outstanding performance of the team as follows:

1. Passion & Drive – The team were very passionate and had the drive to ensure that they win the game. The burning passion of the team came to bare on the football pitch.
2. Ball mastery & control – Despite the obvious fact that some of the players were already out of shape and do not look fit to play football well (pot-bellies, fatigue etc), they displayed mastery of ball control and this contributed to the recorded success.
3. Dribbling & running with the ball – there were moments of dribbling, running and moving the ball in different directions at varying speeds with the ball in full control by the players.
4. Leadership – The class governor (Sinmi) and Olanrewaju displayed unique leadership in ensuring that the players adhere to the outlined strategies for the outing. Regular checks and recalibrations were done at the pitch as the match was ongoing.
5. Coachability – The team had some level of coaching amongst themselves to improve the game as they progress with the competition. Obviously, the players adhered to instructions, suggestions and were open to learning new things.
6. Self-Motivate – In addition to self-coaching, the players continuously motivated themselves and assuring one another of winning the game. This was the catalyst that kept the team focused throughout the game.
7. Responsibility – Football is a team game where each player has a set of responsibilities both on the pitch. The players took ownership and responsibilities to ensure that the team comes out victorious.

Overall, it was a wonderful outing for my class, as the team tried their best to ensure that we recorded a desired victorious outing. The enthusiastic and vocal cheerleaders of Efunsola, Ruth, Abimbola, Kelechi, Annabel, Wilfred, as well as our dynamic Programme Manager (Toyin) really motivated and inspired the team. Although the match ended in a 2:2 draw between EMBA 28 and MBA 21, it was indeed a great outing for my class. Adedayo scored the first goal during the first half, while Ahmed scored the equalising goal during the second half. Our next match will be on the 24^th of June with the MMBA 3/4 – surely this will be more interesting and successful outing. Watch the space, as the trophy is coming home! #EMBA28