EXCLUSIVE: Squash Coach, Matti Relishes Opportunity To Help Young People Become Leaders In Life Through Sports Devlpt

Ijede, Lagos Nigeria-born Shakiru Matti (SM) is the Head Pro at Shakiru Matti Squash Academy, Richmond, Canada. He is responsible for much of the junior and adult clinic and school partnership delivery. A former National Coach of Mexico and Guatemala, Matti brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience (along with an exuberant personality) to the training hub. AllNews had a chat with Matti about his background, love for the game, and his vision for the future of his program.

The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

AllNews: Where are you from and when did you start involving yourself in the noble game of squash?

SM: I'm from Ijede in Lagos. My involvement with squash can be traced to Rowe Park Recreational Centre with my cousin and friends.

AllNews: How old is your academy in Canada and how big is it now?

SM: My academy in Canada was established 15 years ago (since 2005) in British Columbia.  

It has produced lots of Canadian National Champions, more than 30 British Columbia Junior Provincial Champions.

It is the first of its kind in Canada.  

Lots of my students have been awarded squash scholarships to Ivy League schools, like Princeton University, Cornell University, Columbia University and many other top universities and colleges in North America.

Matti (2nd from right) alongside professional Nigerian players, Babatunde Ajagbe (1st from right), Busayo Olatunji (1st from left), Yemisi Olatunji (2nd from left) and squash philanthropist, Capt Dayo Awobokun

AllNews: You are ‘doing well’ and promoting squash in Canada with your Academy. What are your initiatives to promote the game in your native Nigeria?

SM: I have started giving back initiative [sic] program since 2010. 

I delivered Coaching and Referee clinics at Governor's Cup tournament, squash coaching clinic at Country Club Ikeja,  Squash Coaching Clinic at Transcorp Hilton Abuja,  Esuene Squash Club in Eket, etc. 

I have organized and ran coaching sessions at Police College Ikeja, Eko Club Surulere, and Teslim  Balogun, Lagos. 

I intend to continue to help in the development of squash in the future.  I couldn't this year because of COVID-19.

I have been fortunate to be former [sic] National Coach in Mexico 2000 to 2001, Former National Coach Guatemalan 2001 to 2005, Princeton University summer Camps coach 2005 and 2006. 

I have assisted my players in tournaments around the world. Pan America tournaments in El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador,  Colombia, and Guatemala; Central America and Caribbean tournament in Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Other notable tournaments we participated in include the Canadian Junior Open,  U.S Junior Open,  British Open,  Scottish Open,  Hong Kong Open, and so on.

Summer camp

AllNews: Squash, though one of the world’s fastest-growing sport, is not so popular to be fancied by many. As a squash adherent, what do you really love about squash?

SM: The opportunity to help young people become leaders in life through sports development like discipline, determination, dedication, and always striving to be a better person for their communities, countries, and the world at large. 

My students are doctors, lawyers, engineers, coaches at University in the US, coaches in Canada, teachers, and other kinds of professionals in many countries.  

That is my goal.

AllNews: What is your philosophy when it comes to lessons and coaching delivery? How do you structure your private lessons and group sessions?

SM: My philosophy about squash lesson(s) is to deliver life lessons like hardwork, dealing with mistakes, honesty, respect, and tolerance. Also, help individuals in a group setting.  The team spirit of helping each other to be better and using resources within your reach to achieve what you want is another.

AllNews: What are the key pillars you think are essential that can develop squash in Nigeria?

SM: Government support, private sectors, and individuals working together with the same goal of squash development in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Watch Top 10 Squash Rallies Of The Season 2019/20

AllNews: Thank you so much for your time. Appreciate. Wishing you all the best for the future.

SM: Thank you for the opportunity.

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