Prince Donatus Mbaezue, JP, has heaped huge plaudits on Anambra State Governor, Professor Cherles Chukwuma Soludo, following his Executive approval for the formation of Solution FC, a team that will feature in the domestic second-tier league that kicks off later this month. 

Solution FC is to be funded by the Anambra State Government, thus, joining other states in the country that sponsor Football teams as part of relentless effort to check youths engagement in anti-social activities.

Mbaezue, a retired FIFA Badged referee, extolled Governor Soludo for recognising the importance of floating a state-owned Football team as breeding and harnessing ground for talented youths in the state.

"Governor Soludo deserves much more than commendation. For years, dating from the creation of the state in 1991, Anambra Staye has been without a state owned team like other states", Mbaezue narrated to Exclusivenews.com.ng on Friday.

"Youths and sportsmen alike had watched from the sidelines as other states teams play, some even coming here in Awka, to play on our ground.

"Successive administration's in the state have shied away from floating a state team. But 'Mr Solution' has found a way out with the approval and formation of SOLUTION FC" and we're happy and proud of him".

Recently, an online publication quoted Prince Mbaezue as tasking Governor Soludo on the need to complete the Awka City Stadium.

But the 'Prince of the whistle' washed his hands off such utterances, claiming he never made such reckless utterances.

"Who am I to to 'task' His Excellency", Mbaezue querried, furiously.

"The important thing is that we've a World Class Stadium which hosts Nigeria Premier League games and Aiteo Cup matches, having received approval from NFF/NPFL.

"What we should concern ourselves about is having opportunity to maximise the use of the stadium which the Governor has done by approving the formation of a state owned team, Solution FC, that will make use of the stadium.

"Stadium development is done in phases. Now we've a good stadium with ultra modern astro turf. We need to start making use of it it first while government works on other aspects gradually, based on the prevalent economic situation in the country.

"So, it's absurd for anyone to begin to 'task' Soludo on a project which first phase has just been completed and is about to begin to be enjoyed by the citizens.

"So, I never tasked anyone, not even our Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and I never spoke to anyone in that regard", Mbaezue stressed.

The dark-hued Mbaezue is one of the brightest products of the Onitsha Divisional Amateur Football Association, ODAFA, headed then by Hughs Egwuatue (now late) which produced top class referees including CC Chukwujekwu, (FIFA Rtd), ANC Udennaka, Felicia Okogba, JBC Obikwelu, AN Nkparu, Jona Okonkwo (now late) and Afam Gabriel, 'Chief Priest' amongst others.

Mbaezue served in the Referees Appointment Committee of NFF for about 12 years.