CK Gefane Football Club’s first full season in 2019 marked a turning point for the club, as it moved from being a small local initiative to a recognized force in the Kaduna football scene. What began as a grassroots effort to develop talent turned into a display of the potential that CK Gefane FC’s youth academy possessed. In their inaugural season, the players exhibited the promise that would define the club for years to come.

The Rise of Young Talent

2019 was the year that CK Gefane FC’s first batch of players began to make their mark. One of the standout performers was Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun, who had joined the club’s academy in 2018. By 2019, Oladotun had made incredible progress, impressing coaches with his technique, discipline, and determination. His hard work paid off when he scored a pivotal goal during a local competition, leading the team to their first major victory. This match, played at the CK Gefane FC Arena, was the turning point for the team, as it solidified their reputation as a formidable youth club.

Player Testimony:

“I’ll never forget that moment. It was my first competitive match with CK Gefane FC, and the crowd was electric. The feeling of scoring in front of the fans and contributing to the team’s first win was indescribable. It motivated me to push harder and dream bigger. I’m grateful for the opportunity the club gave me.” – Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun

Key Moments from the Season

The 2019 season was filled with highs and lows, but each experience helped shape the foundation of CK Gefane FC. The team participated in the Kaduna Youth Football League, where they faced some of the best young talent in the region. While there were moments of defeat, these were balanced by inspiring victories, such as a thrilling 3-2 win against Kaduna United Youth, which helped the team gain confidence and show the local football community that CK Gefane was here to stay.

One of the most defining features of the season was the exceptional performance of the team’s goalkeeper, Musa Ibrahim, whose skills in goalkeeping kept the team in many tight matches. His saves became legendary in the league, and the local press soon began to take note of the emerging talent coming out of CK Gefane FC.

Coach's Insight:

“When we started, we knew we were working with raw talent, but what stood out the most was the discipline and commitment these players showed. The season wasn’t just about winning for us—it was about learning and growing as a team.” – Coach Abiola Adeyemi

Support from the Community

The community played an integral role in the club’s success during this period. Local businesses and individuals contributed in various ways—whether through donations, providing food during matches, or even offering transportation for players. The support from the community solidified CK Gefane FC’s position as a club that was truly embedded in the fabric of Kaduna’s social life.

A particularly memorable moment occurred when KGEES Diamond LTD, one of the club’s first sponsors, hosted a fundraising event for the club at their headquarters in Kaduna. The event raised funds for new uniforms, football kits, and training equipment, all of which contributed to the team’s improvement and success during the 2019 season.

The Impact of Youth Development

Looking back, the 2019 season was a clear sign of the future CK Gefane FC was working to build. The club’s mission of developing players not only for football but also for life, began to show fruit. Young players like Musa Ibrahim, Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun, and Sarah Adebayo—who was a standout in the youth girls' team—emerged as leaders both on and off the field, becoming role models for younger academy players.

Player Spotlight: Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun

Olatunde’s journey from a promising youth player to the first export of CK Gefane FC was a source of immense pride for the club. By 2024, he was playing in the Russian Tier 2 league for FC Baltika, a testament to the development pathway CK Gefane FC was providing for young players. Oladotun’s success story inspired countless other players at the academy, many of whom hoped to follow in his footsteps and make it to professional leagues.

Alumni Testimony (Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun):

“The foundation that CK Gefane FC gave me is what led me to where I am today. The training, the mentors, and the focus on both football and personal growth—everything prepared me for the challenges I face now. I’ll always carry CK Gefane with me wherever I go.” – Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun (FC Baltika)