For Kano Pillars to return continental: About N2bn needed

Undoubtedly, the delight, trust and yearning of every club supporters, players, coaches, management and even the club owners is to see their teams exceptionally and favorably positioned on the top of the table at the end of each and every football season.

That is why from the start of each and every football season club proprietors through their club the management supported the idea of shading the weight of the club by fishing out those players that are not fit or lose form and directed them to look elsewhere or transferred themselves to other clubs.

Doing that will furthermore allow the teams to search for their substitution to beef-up and strengthen their teams with more good and quality players from either their junior teams or other sides.

All these are done to make the team ready for the new season ahead so that their teams will put forth valiant and courageous efforts to obtain or get great outcomes from the matches they played all through the season.

As a matter of fact, everybody needs his team or the team he is supporting, managing or funding to exclusively succeed toward the end of each and every football season so as to book a slot in the regional or continental competitions.

What’s more, that was not detached with the games is that, apart from the sports tourism every team will enjoy when they travel to various countries, the team will be presented with an immense financial prize for participation  from the Africa’s highest football ruling organization,  CAF.

Kano Pillars Football Club also known as Sai Masu Gida is no exception as both the supporters, players, coaches along with their management and even the owner (Kano State Government) have similar aspiration and ambition.

This clearly means that they all want to see their darling team, Kano Pillars FC at the top or among the top four in the league table every football season so as to enjoy those privileges.

And to be on top or among the top four of the league means a lot, as teams are required to play exceptionally well and maintain winning streaks before they can see  themselves  playing amidst Africa’s best players and intense teams vying for laurels in CAF competitions.

Because it is only when the team can finish among the first four that the team can be among those that can compete either in the CAF Continental Competition or CAF Confederation Cup.

But looking at the current table of the Nigerian Premier Football League, the present position  Kano Pillars Football Club is occupying is not encouraging. That means it will be very difficult for the team to be among the top four at the end of the season.

And now that the league has just returned to the second round, the league is now tough as all teams are doing everything possible within their disposal to win their matches so as to escape relegation.

For sure, for Kano Pillars Football Club to register itself into next CAF competitions, they need to win all their remaining home matches and draw more of their away matches.

Or in the alternative, the team can work extra and play wonderfully to win the yet to start  2025 state preliminary of the President Cup and also win all its matches during its National Competition, I don’t see the miracle the Sai Masu Gida can use to get continental ticket this season.

But it is not late as the Mai Samba led management team can do their best and maintain their position in the ongoing league and then start making good arrangements and preparations for the 25/26 league season ahead.

To actualize that dream, the Ali Nayara Mai Samba led management committee must seek for government approval to totally effect changes in the team’s structure by pushing out tired and weak players and then inject more quality players that can bring the desired results to make the CAF dream a reality.

We all know that Kano Pillars have done it more than three times before and I see no reason why they cannot do it now. The government only needs to pump in more money into the club to get the desired results.

But for the continental dream to be real, the government needs to give the club all the necessary support it deserves by approving its budgets at once and funds also released and stashed into the club account on time and at once.

This, to me, will allow the management to concentrate and focus more on the set objectives, do all that is before them and also give attention to how to win matches home and away.

The distraction the management is facing now when it goes for funds every away or home matches must be stopped as they are always either in the Accountant General’s office or Commissioner’s office for funds.

I see this as a big distraction and can never allow the team to succeed because that is not the convention everywhere. And that is not how other successful teams in this country are being managed.

What the government needs to remember is that sinking this huge amount on the team is not a loss but going to be profitable as the team will instantly stop its routine visits begging for funding. This is because the team will garner Dollars for the state when it starts transferring its players abroad beside the Dollars it will receive from CAF.

According to my investigation, CAF has since August 20, 2024 increased Prize Money for Champions League and Confederation Cup participants.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the upcoming 2024/25 season of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The move according to my findings is aimed at enhancing the prestige of these continental club competitions and providing greater financial incentives to participating teams.

The updated prize money for both tournaments is as follows: For those in the CAF Champions League, the Winner will receive USD 4,000,000, while the reward for the Runner-up is USD 2,000,000. And the Semi-finalists will take home about USD 1,500,000 (each)..

CAF will also give the Quarter-finalists USD 1,100,000 (each), third in the Group Stage will get USD 800,000 (each), forth in Group Stage USD 800,000 (each)  and those that participated in the Preliminary Round is to receive USD 50,000 (per club). 

And for those that will play the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, the Winner will get USD 2,000,000, Runner-up USD 1,000,000 and the Semi-finalists to get USD 750,000 (each)..

The CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-finalists will also get USD 550,000 (each), the third in Group Stage will get USD 400,000 (each)  while the forth in Group Stage are to get USD 400,000 (each) and those that participate in the Preliminary Round will get USD 50,000 (per club).

From the above the government must know that pumping money on the Sai Masu Gida is not going to be a waste because of the above stated reward for those that take part.

CAF increased the prize money on the participating for several reasons and it is expected to have a positive impact on African club football in several ways, thus:

Increased competitiveness: The higher stakes will incentivize clubs to perform better and invest more in their squads and infrastructure.

Financial stability for clubs: The additional revenue will help clubs become more financially stable, enabling them to retain their best players and attract new talent.

Improved quality of football: The overall standard of play in both competitions is likely to rise as clubs strive to reach the later stages and claim lucrative prizes.

Greater global recognition: The increased prize money and improved quality of football may attract more international attention to African club football.

The substantial increase in prize money for the Champions League and Confederation Cup is a welcome development for African football. It demonstrates the CAF’s commitment to making club football on the continent more competitive, sustainable, and globally recognized.

Therefore, for Kano Pillars to be stable and go places in both the NPFL and CAF competitions there is a need for the following, too.

Stable Leadership & Management: There must be stable leadership so the current changes of leadership must be halted without delay. Those appointed must be allowed to focus on the herculean tasks ahead of them.

This will ensure transparency and accountability and also avoid frequent dismissals of coaches and board members. The government should implement a structured performance review system instead of abrupt dismissals.

Financial Stability & Debt Management: Under this, the government should conduct an audit to assess and restructure the club’s debts and also seek private sector sponsorships and partnerships to supplement government funding.

The government should allow the club to introduce a business model that will generate revenue, such as merchandise sales and membership programs.

Improved Logistics & Infrastructure: Acquire well-maintained and serviceable vehicles for players, technical crew and management.

Improve training facilities and stadium maintenance: The government should also invest in the facilities and their maintenance. And also invest in youth academies to develop homegrown talents.

Performance & Technical Stability: The government most allows the management to hire a qualified head coach with a long-term contract and clear targets.

The management must support the coach with the necessary tools, including scouting networks and modern training techniques.

The management must also improve player welfare, including prompt salary payments and medical care.

Community & Fan Engagement: The club should strengthen fan engagement through outreach programs, social media, and fan clubs.

They should organize football clinics and competitions to identify and nurture young talents. Ensure security at match venues to encourage more spectators. 

The CAF’s expected benefits to the Government and People of Kano State are numerous:-

Number one among them is Economic Growth & Employment: Job creation for players, coaches, administrative staff, and vendors. And it will also increase tourism and hospitality business during match days.

The second is Youth Development & Social Impact: Here there is going to be an opportunity for the young footballers to develop professionally. There is also going to be a reduction in crime as youths get involved in sports rather than social vices.

The third is the State Image & Recognition: A strong Kano Pillars FC will enhance Kano’s reputation nationally and internationally. It will also attract investors and business opportunities into the state.

The next is the Revenue Generation boost: This will materialize through ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise that contributes to the state’s economy. Media coverage and broadcasting rights bring additional income.

The last point is Unity & Social Cohesion: It is a well-known fact that football unites people across ethnic and religious lines, fostering peace and harmony in the state.

Thus, Kano Pillars FC may restore its standing as a premier club, bringing honor and financial advantages to Kano State, by reviewing and putting the aforementioned suggestions into practice.From their inauguration to date, the management team led by Ali Nayara Mai Samba has undoubtedly shown that they are prepared and capable of producing the desired outcomes if given the required assistance.

In order to see Kano Pillars in the CAF competition the following season, I therefore implore the government to take the necessary action as soon as possible.