THE POPULAR ONE Kadiri Ikhana Returns to Kano Pillars as Coach for Another Spell

It will be a fourth coaching journey for one of Nigeria Professional Football League's most celebrated coaches, Kadiri Ikhana, at Kano Pillars after he was unveiled by the hierarchy of the club to their fans, players and backroom staff on Tuesday. 

Ikhana last coached at the Kano-based club eight years ago and on that occasion helped them to win their first of four league titles. But the former Bendel Insurance man had his first stint with Sai Masu Gida in 1991 and then in 1997 got his second chance with the team before the title-winning stint.

In his speech, the gaffer remarked his union with Sai Masu Gida as a memory that is glued to the heart.

"I felt like shading tears after agreeing a deal to take charge of Pillars. Kano State was the gateway for me in my coaching career.

"The most difficult team to coach is Kano Pillars, owing to the fact they have set a standard that needs continuity. I am here to take the club back to the height of greatness, but the support of every stakeholder here is paramount to achieving this feat. I need your prayers to succeed," Ikhana said.

Ikhana then broke off to talk about the current team and stated that he is ready to sit down with his backroom staff and sift through the players before settling for his squad for the coming season.

"I have not only inherited players, but also the backroom staff who have been with the club. Myself and the coaches will study what we have in stock and make do with serious-minded players.

"Whether a player is on loan or having a permanent deal is not the question. What matters is the materials to work with. The field of play will tell, if that player is a good product," Ikhana remarked.

The 69-year-old is expected to hit the ground running when the new season kicks off by leading Kano Pillars in the NPFL and the Federation Cup. He said a return to the CAF Champions League is on the cards. "The expectation here is high because of the height of success attained by the club, it is an enormous task, that will be tackled ideologically," he said.

Kano Pillars finished in seventh position in the past campaign in which they scooped 52 points from 36 rounds of matches, 11 less than champions, Rangers International.

The Kano giants have won the NPFL titles on four occasions in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Source - npfl