The question of whether Kano Pillars Football Club can stand the test of time is one that demands deep reflection and strategic action.
The club, which was once a strong force in Nigerian football, is currently dealing with a number of major issues, including poor performance, unstable management, financial difficulties, and the departure or fading of important players, all of which put the team in danger of relegation.
These problems have put the team’s and its supporters’ fortitude to the test, casting doubt on its capacity to uphold its former illustrious history.
Nonetheless, Kano Pillars’ spirit, which was founded on tenacity and fan loyalty, continues to burn brightly, indicating that the team can regain its standing among the best with the correct preparation, recruitment and funding.
Recall that the team has represented Nigeria with pride in a number of CAF tournaments, showcasing the strength and talent of Nigerian football throughout the continent.
It has competed against some of Africa’s best teams in major competitions like the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup over the years.
In addition to gaining fame to the team, these appearances demonstrated the fervour for football in Kano State and the Northern region at large.
Their passionate performances won them respect around the continent and showed that, with the right preparation and drive, Kano Pillars are capable of competing at the top level.
Beyond the actual competition, Kano Pillars’ involvement in CAF events provided the players, technical staff and its officials with invaluable knowledge and experience.
Because they were exposed to various play styles, tactical discipline, and global football management standards.
The club’s progress and aspirations have continued to be shaped by the lessons learned and exposure acquired, even though it did not always return home with the tangible laurels or trophies.
But all hope is not lost as Kano Pillars would once more God willing proudly wave Nigeria’s flag in upcoming CAF competitions and regain their position among Africa’s footballing titans with fresh attention and funding.
However, Kano Pillars need to go past its past achievements and embrace a new era of accountability and professionalism in order to survive this critical stage.
This implies that the team must prioritize young players’ development, appropriate funding, tactical coaching, and enhanced player welfare in addition to the enormous duties ahead.
The club’s recent games have highlighted its shortcomings in the present squad structure, especially in terms of player fitness, technical planning, and recruitment, since it is evident that some of the players brought in to bolster the team have fallen short of expectations.
The results of Pillars’ matches played so far have undoubtedly caused significant problems and distress for the Kano state government, its management, and the club’s supporters as well.
The poor performance of their club in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League is obviously causing both the Kano state government, Pillars management, and the club’s supporters a great deal of discomfort.
The management of the club have surely seen how the agents they trusted to recruit or add talented players to the club have failed them by bringing in unfit and unsuitable players to the team.
The situation made club’s stakeholders, supporters, and fans, who have long linked Pillars with greatness and domination in Nigerian football deeply concerned about the bad results.
In light of the aforementioned, I think that in order to ensure the survival of the team in the ongoing season, they should re-evaluate their strategies and employ a more dynamic approach to the team’s direction and its sustainability.
The club’s shortcomings have been exposed by the challenges, few victories, and lots of disappointments they have faced since the league was started.
A fresh perspective, better preparation, and a renewed feeling of purpose are necessary if the squad is to regain its rightful place among the best teams in the Nigerian league.
Due to the club’s frontline players’ inability to consistently create and convert scoring opportunities that the club’s shaky engine room has supplied, the team has repeatedly missed out on crucial points and won few games.
The attacking line of the team is undoubtedly also another crucial area that requires quick improvement because the players there are currently goal shy, which prevents them from scoring.
A strong and flexible offensive will reduce pressure on the defence and midfield in addition to improving goal-scoring efficiency.
In addition, Kano Pillars’ inadequate defensive play has cost the team important points in pivotal matches so far played as opponents can readily exploit openings and score because defenders frequently struggle with coordination, marking, and maintaining cool under pressure.
The team’s confidence has been damaged and the goalkeeper has been subjected to needless pressure due to this lack of defensive stability as even the strongest attacking efforts are useless without a solid and well-organized backline.
The Kano Pillars’ management must realize that a strong backline remains the foundation of any successful team, and they must rebuild theirs with players who are physically fit, disciplined, and driven.
As defensive coordination, communication, and tactical awareness should be prioritized during training sessions to reduce expensive mistakes during games, adding seasoned defenders alongside promising young ones will form a balanced and cohesive defensive unit in the team.
I am aware that Evans Ogenyi, the club’s technical adviser, and his assistant Ahmad Garba Yaro Yaro were fired by the management a few weeks ago due to these errors even though it was never their fault.
Nevertheless, a seasoned coach with in-depth tactical expertise and motivational abilities may assist the players in regaining their self-assurance and cohesion, guaranteeing that each game is played with a clear strategy and resolve.
Leadership from the technical bench is undoubtedly the difference between mediocrity and success everywhere.
This is because an experienced coach brings not only technical knowledge but also the capacity to read games, make timely substitutions, and create winning game plans that play to the team’s strengths.
The Kano Pillars need someone who understands league politics, the local football scene, and the demands of the game, in order for the team to improve its areas of weakness, especially in defensive organization and finishing.
This would assist the players reach their full potential and play consistently against challenging opponents or teams.
Additionally, a skilled coach can help the Pillars players develop attention, discipline, and collaboration.
The management of Kano Pillars football must understand that mental toughness and coordination are crucial for success, and that these qualities are best developed by a coach who inspires each player to reach their full potential.
The coach can assist in identifying grey areas for both individual and group improvement through efficient training sessions and performance analysis as he ought to have comprehensive access to the team and be able to suggest areas where the team needs to support performance improvement.
The management of Kano Pillars must also understand that hiring a seasoned coach is an investment in stability and success in the long run.
Additionally, by developing young talent and creating a winning culture, a competent coach not only produces results right away but also lays a solid foundation for future success.
It is certain that Kano Pillars can reclaim their dominance in Nigerian football and once again make their supporters pleased with steady wins and impressive league performances if they have the correct leadership on the touchline.
Referees’ bad officiating too used to be Kano Pillars greatest problem but I blamed the management for not doing what is expected or others doing as we all know that our leagues are not being played on the pitch.
I am aware that since the league is still in progress, there is now nothing the team can do to add fresh, talented players to the club.
But the coach must now try and develop something that can sustain the club up to the end of the first round when he can bring in few players that can join the rest of the players to get the team out of the danger zone.
Last but not least, in order to solve all of these issues, the management gives the coach an open go ahead and sign young, enthusiastic, and technically skilled attackers who can give the team’s front line some originality, speed, and accuracy.
In addition to increasing goal-scoring potential, a dynamic attacking unit eases pressure on the defence and midfield.
The team should look to hire big, powerful, and seasoned defenders who can successfully coordinate the backline and counter threats from the opposition.
A balanced and cohesive defensive unit will be produced by combining experienced defenders with gifted young prospects so as to reduce expensive defensive mistakes, training sessions should focus on tactical awareness, communication, and discipline.
The hiring of a capable, seasoned, and tactically smart coach for the technical bench is still essential to the team’s comeback, but with his experience and knowledge of the local football scene, Coach Muhammad Baba Ganaru’s appointment offers hope.
But in order for the coach to put his plans into action, make important choices, and foster team spirit, Kano Pillars management must grant him complete authority and support.
They should make sure that the coach has the authority to carry out thorough performance evaluations and suggest certain areas for development.
The coach’s technical orientation should also include promoting players’ self-control, cooperation, and mental toughness.
Through improved training, tactical discipline, and the hiring of seasoned defenders who can stabilize the team, the coach must re-establish equilibrium and consistency in the team which will happily see the team out of the mess it found itself in.
Among other things, Kano Pillars should include fitness conditioning, sports psychology, and injury prevention programs into their operations throughout the season.
This all-encompassing strategy will improve player performance, lessen tiredness, and increase overall consistency.
Preparations for the mid-season transfer window should start right away, even though the team might not be able to make significant additions during the on-going league campaign.
I am suggesting for a well-thought-out recruitment campaign aimed at players with demonstrated skill and a desire to succeed could mean the difference between a high finish and relegation battles.
Lastly, the management presently needs strong leadership, cooperation, openness, and inspiration among themselves to rebuild trust and cohesion in the team.
Ali Nayara Mai Samba’s led management with the assistance of the club’s General Manager, Ahmad Musa and others must emphasize teamwork, combine creativity and expertise, and create a winning culture based on professionalism and discipline.
With all these, Kano Pillars can restore their proper position among Nigeria’s top clubs and once again make their ardent followers proud with a revitalized vision, tactical restructuring, and better player quality.
The Kano State Government should also change the way and manner it is funding Kano Pillars, since the squad is distracted by the piecemeal approach that is now in use.
As one of the most successful and popular clubs in Nigeria, Kano Pillars is not just a football team but a symbol of pride for the people of Kano and the entire northern region.
The government should, therefore, fund the team but in bulk to ensure that it is adequately funded to meet the financial demands of player salaries, technical staff, logistics, and modern training facilities.
The government should, without delay, end the piecemeal system of funding the club, as it continues to hinder its operations.
A clear example was the team’s delayed trip to Abia State for its league match against Enyimba FC of Aba last Sunday, which only commenced on Friday.
This situation is unacceptable because the team needed to arrive early to settle in, rest, and properly prepare ahead of the crucial Sunday encounter.
We see the delay as a major factor behind the team’s poor and uncoordinated performance in the match, which ultimately cost Kano Pillars a chance to secure at least a draw.
Adequate and timely funding will help the club attract and retain talented players, as well as compete effectively in both domestic and continental competitions.
Additionally, the state government should establish a long-term financial model that reduces overreliance on public funds.
This can be achieved by encouraging private sector partnerships, sponsorship deals, and merchandising opportunities that will generate steady income for the club.
The government can direct its Auditor General to be auditing the club financial transaction to ensure transparency in the use of funds which will also help build confidence among potential investors and fans.
By doing so, Kano Pillars will not only regain its former glory but also serve as a model of how government-supported clubs can be run efficiently and sustainably.
