Flying Antelopes sacks 15 players

Rangers of Enugu will drop 15 players from the squad of last season to make way for new ones.

According to the media officer of the club, Foster Chime, the names of the players will be released in the next two days and that will signal the preparation for next season.

“We have short listed 15 players for the drop because we don’t need them for next season. We have been able to retain the players we need for next season and we are also on the verge of signing some quality players.

“These players that would be dropped did not meet up to the expectations of the coaching crew and they will be asked to look for other clubs.

“Most of them did not play up to five matches throughout the season and we cannot continue to retain such players.

“Rangers will certainly be stronger next season. That is a promise and the Enugu State Government is ever ready to support the team,” Chime said.

Enugu Rangers has already moved to recruit seven additional players to bolster its squad ahead of the new season.

Though this is not official yet, it has been learnt that the club has declared its interest in seven players and is in talks with them.

The Flying Antelopes wants to bring in three strikers from the seven players being targeted as additions to the club’s 2010/2011 team.

One of the players currently in talks with Rangers is its former player, Sam Ledor, who is ready to dump relegated Gateway Football Club.

The former Enyimba midfielder is said to have spoken to Rangers, as he is currently a free agent after the relegation of his team, Gateway Football Club to the Nigeria National League (NNL) also known as the National Division I League.

Ledor can now determine his transfer fee from prospective employers.

Rangers could be battling three other Premier League clubs – Heartland Football Club, Sharks Football Club and Sunshine Stars – for the services of the combative midfielder.

Ledor, however, refused to comment on his planned move to the Flying Antelopes ahead of next season, saying he is yet to make a decision on his future before the start of the 2010/2011 season.

“I cannot say anything about that (joining Rangers). But I am sure that I will not be playing here (at Gateway FC) next season because I am not ready to play in the lower league. Very soon I will make this known,” he said.