We all know that the Babangida Little’s led management team of the Kano Pillars FC was sacked a couple of weeks ago and was replaced with a 14-man team led by Ali Nayara Mai Samba whose mandate, based on the Kano State Government directive, is to manage the team for a single season.
This hardly surprised members of the sports community in Kano as the government’s action was perceived by a significant number as long overdue.
Coincidentally however, out of the fourteen members of the new management team of the SaiMasuGida, two, Messrs Abubakar Isa Dandagu Yamalash and Ismail Abba Tanglash, are successful media practitioners.
Initially, the public opinion about the inclusion of the duo in the committee was that, taking into consideration their antecedents, the inclusion of Yamalash and Tangalash in the management board of the team will bring a lot of respite and success in the team.
Unfortunately, recent development within the team is proving otherwise as the two are not doing what is expected of them. I don’t want to believe the rumor going round the sports sector that the two want to do everything alone and by themselves. And if it is true, that is bad and must be changed without delay.
I was told that the management of Kano Pillars FC had unveiled its newly contracted coach and its players but the two separate ceremonies were underreported because many of the sports journalists were unaware about them.
Indeed, those were sad developments. If what is being insinuated is right, the two board members who also head the media department of Kano Pillars Football Club must change their styles. They should open up, assist and allow their colleagues to do their jobs.
Most of us welcomed their inclusion in the board of Kano Pillars FC, because we thought being part of Kano’s media family, the two would guarantee a free working atmosphere for all its members.
It is common knowledge that before their appointment, the image making department of the Kano Pillars Football Club was not doing enough to market the team, its players or day-to-day activities to the general public and the world at large.
That explained why the club was left behind in the area of image making which drastically reduced its popularity and income hence its total dependence on government for funding.
This is what we expect Yamalash and Tangalash to seriously and quickly address through their open and free engagement with the members of the press. We expected them to educate the management board of the team of which they are members to be very friendly with the press. It is through that the club activities will be adequately publicized and its products well marketed.
That is why we are asking the new management to create and fully support the club’s marketing and commercial departments to ensure maximum exposure of all club-related products and also to support commercial sponsors and partners with media activity.
Yamalash and Tangalash must know that communications are regarded as a vital function for both the everyday running and the long-term success of any football team. Therefore, as the drivers of the Media Directorate of Kano Pillars FC, the duo must know that the tasks and challenges ahead of them are enormous.
They must also first of all be friendly to the press and understand that their role is crucial in promoting the club not only in Nigeria but globally and enhancing its prominence.
That is why to actually have an insight of what awaits the two gentlemen; what awaits the two gentlemen; I contacted Dr Nura Garba Sabonsara, a sports analyst and an erudite scholar who is vast and well informed to serially explain how Yamalash and Tangalash will face the tasks before them and succeed.
Dr Sabonsara listed some key strategies to consider in carrying their duties effectively:
The first issue before them according to Dr. Sabonsara is to develop a comprehensive media plan: Outline objectives, target audience, and strategies for the season.
The second is for them to enhance the online presence of the team: This will make them revamp the club’s website and social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). And also share the engaging content (news, updates, behind-the-scenes, player profiles). – Utilize hash tags and tag relevant stakeholders.
The third is to leverage local and international media: This according to Dr. Sabonsara will foster relationships with local and national media outlets. –They should pitch stories and features to international media, highlighting the club’s unique aspects.
Visual storytelling is another thing they must embrace: Dr. Sabonsara stated that the duo must invest in high-quality video production (match highlights, analysis, and interviews). They should also utilize photography to capture the team’s essence and share on social media.
Another thing necessary for them according to Dr. Nura Garba Sabonsara is fan engagement: Here they must create or identify loyal fan bases through interactive content and social media contests. They should also encourage fan-generated content and user engagement. Collaborate with influencers and partners:
Here, Yamalash and Tangalash are expected to partner with local influencers, sports personalities, and brands. They are also expected to collaborate with other clubs, leagues, or football organizations.
There is also Matchday coverage: Here the media directorate is expected to provide live updates, commentary, and analysis on social media. They should also share post-match reactions, highlights, and press conferences.
Next are the player and staff profiles: They are also expected to share in-depth profiles, interviews, and features on players and coaching staff.
Community outreach: The duo is expected to highlight the club’s community involvement, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and charity work. Monitor and measure performance: They should track engagement metrics, website analytics, and media coverage and adjust strategies based on performance data.
To Dr. Nura Garba Sabonsara, by implementing these strategies, the media directorate of Pillars will effectively promote Kano Pillars FC, enhancing its global visibility and prominence.
Looking at the above, one will certainly understand that the tasks before Abubakar Isa Dandagu Yamalash and Ismail Abba Tanglash is a huge one which only them cannot accomplish. Thus, they need the support of their colleagues and also employ (temporarily or permanent) staff to perfectly actualize and deliver all that is expected from them.
Finally, I pray for the success of both the new management team of Kano Pillars FC and the newly created Media Directorate of the team under the care of Yamalash and Tangalash, but the two have to change style.
Because starving their colleagues is wrong and unacceptable.
They should work with all so as not to give room for confrontation with the others.
Allah Ya bamu saa, ameen.
