In an exclusive interview with Complete Sports, Adebayo Gbadebo, the current coach of Suphanburi FC in Thailand, talks about his remarkable journey from being a former Flying Eagles defender to becoming a coaching sensation in Southeast Asia. Gbadebo gives insights into the challenges and triumphs of coaching in Thailand, his dual passion for football and education, and the huge influence of the late Stephen Keshi on his career. From his beginnings in Nigeria to settling in Thailand with his family, Gbadebo’s story is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and deep love for the beautiful game of football.
Faring in the Thai Football Landscape
Adebayo Gbadebo’s entry into Thai football was initially met with skepticism, which he also expressed in the interview. He said of his first impressions: “No one really thinks about Thailand in football.” However, this changed abruptly after he saw the final of the 1995 Asian Cup, in which a Thai club emerged victorious. From that time, the popularity of not only football watching but also football betting increased. And now you can bet any match using your computer or smartphone even live. You can find all information about online sports betting in Thailand on this website. Gbadebo’s first-hand experience and success with Suphanburi FC underlines the vibrancy and competition in Thai club football. He emphasized how demanding the coaching business is in Thailand and underlined the need for top qualifications such as the Pro Licence in order to compete.
Balancing Education and Football
A sociology graduate from the University of Ibadan, Gbadebo shed light on his ability to juggle education and football. Reflecting on his early years playing for clubs such as Caterpillar FC and Nigerian Railways FC, he emphasized the importance of the education imparted by his father. Gbadebo’s advice for modern footballers underlined the value of education, even in the context of global football icons like Messi and Ronaldo who haven’t had a formal education. He encouraged players to recognize the complementary relationship between education and football, especially in structured environments such as Europe and Asia.
Coaching Beyond Borders
Gbadebo’s ambitions as a coach go beyond Thailand, as he has a Pro Licence that allows him to work worldwide. He is aware of the potential of coaching in other countries but emphasizes that opportunities must be approached with a sense of proportion. “Mine is just to prepare myself and also know that my license also prepares me for any stage or task that I may find,” he said. Gbadebo’s commitment to excellence and his adaptability make him a coach ready for a variety of challenges on the international stage.
Assessment of Nigerian Football
Gbadebo, who has played for clubs such as Stationery Stores, gave insights into the development of Nigerian football. While acknowledging that there is a lot of talent, he expressed concern about standards, particularly the use of artificial pitches in the domestic league. Gbadebo argued that playing on artificial turf affects players’ performance and called for a switch to natural grass pitches. His criticism of the current standards reflects a deep-rooted passion for the improvement of Nigerian football and its competitiveness on the world stage.
Integrity in Coaching and Facing Racism
One notable aspect of Gbadebo’s coaching career in Thailand is his commitment to integrity. In terms of potential pressure from agents, he emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and not betraying his values. On the subject of racism, he gave valuable insights into dealing with cultural differences and emphasized that appreciation and respect go beyond racial prejudice. Gbadebo’s experiences show how important personal values and professionalism are in the face of challenges.
Challenges for Nigerian Coaches Abroad
Gbadebo touched on the challenges Nigerian coaches face when seeking opportunities abroad. He cited the preference of club owners and administrators for coaches that align with their objectives as a major factor. He also pointed out that for coaches to be considered, the standards of the Nigerian leagues must match those of the foreign leagues. And such history as an 18-month backlog of bonuses and allowances from The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to the national team is proving the low standards of well-being of Nigerian football. Gbadebo, in his analysis, calls for an overhaul of the Nigerian football structure to create a more competitive environment that will attract global attention.
A Second Home in Thailand
Gbadebo’s enduring connection to Thailand goes beyond football. Having spent more than two decades in the country, he explained that the decision to settle there was a conscious one, driven by family considerations and a deep appreciation for Thai culture. He considers Thailand his second home and emphasizes the positive influence the country has had on his family and his personal development.
Dreams of Coaching Nigeria
At the end of the interview, Gbadebo expresses his desire to make a contribution to Nigerian football. With patriotic fervor, he imagines himself coaching a national team: “Coaching the national team is a dream that I pray to come true soon.” Gbadebo’s ambition to bring his international experience to Nigerian football underlines his commitment to making an important contribution to the development of the sport in his home country.
Conclusion
Adebayo Gbadebo’s journey from a promising Nigerian defender to a revered coach in Thailand is a tale of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His insights offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in Nigerian and Thai football. While dreaming of coaching Nigeria, Gbadebo stands as a symbol of the global reach and influence African coaches can achieve by crossing borders and leaving an indelible mark on beautiful football.