BRANDON – While the Bobcat men's soccer team has enjoyed success the last few years, the team is looking to the future with the announcement of new head coach Segun Edward.
A proponent of growing the game in Brandon and surrounding area, Edward started coaching here in Brandon by assisting the ACC Cougars men's program and Virgin FC in the Brandon men's league, helping the squad to a league championship.
"I'm very passionate about soccer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time assisting the Cougars but am looking forward to continuing the success that is yet to be achieved with Brandon University," says Edward after his recent appointment.
A lifelong fan of the game that played as high as the semi-professional level, the 45 year-old father of three migrated to Brandon four years ago. Edward grew up and started his family in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to Canada and has fully immersed himself in the Brandon soccer scene since arriving.
A certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist under the national council for sports fitness and a C License coach with Manitoba Soccer Association, Edward tends to be defence-minded and focus on systems and structures while giving his players the opportunity to flourish.
Considering the recent success of the BU men's team, his focus is on the future: his vision includes a plan that sees the Bobcats become a team that ranks among the nation's best and competes for CCAA national championships on a consistent basis.
"My goal is to make the guys step past that myopic view of playing and having fun and see where the sport can take you if you have that dedication, commitment and consistency. For me it's all about seizing opportunity. If you put your mind on a target, and you are focused and believe in it, you can achieve great things."
"Segun is incredibly passionate about soccer and he will bring that enthusiasm to the program. The Bobcat student athletes are going to benefit from his experience and knowledge and what that will mean for their technical and tactical development," says BU Athletic Director Russ Paddock.
The Bobcats are coming off a historic season, in which the team not only captured another MCAC championship but also the first win by a Manitoba team at CCAA Nationals.
The Bobcats beat the Kings College Blue Devils in penalty kicks to conclude the team's second nationals appearance at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. this past November.
Edward and the Bobcats will look to defend the MCAC banner when the season opens in early September. Schedule details will follow at a future date.
