Kano Pillars Eyes Strong Start

Runner of the Nigeria Premier League last season, Kano Pillars, is targeting beginning the 2010/2011 campaign on a bright note by winning the Super Four scheduled to kick off next week in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Head coach of the former Nigerian champion, Salisu Yusuf, told Naijaligue.blogspot.com that though the Super Four is just a pre-season tournament for the top four finishers from last season to prepare for the coming one, he wants his side to take it seriously.

“Kano Pillars want to start the season strongly, and that is why we have recalled our players back to camp for the Super Four. Our target has always remained the same – to win every trophy there is to win and the Super Four is no exception.

“No doubt, it is going to be a tough competition because this is the best four teams in the country from last season. But I believe that we have a lot of quality in our team to face the other three clubs,” said Yusuf.

It is certain that record top scorer in the Premier League, Ahmed Musa, will not be able to honour the games for the Super Four since he is preparing with the Nigerian Under-20 side for second leg of the African Youth Championship (AYC) against Guinea.

But Yusuf said his side can cope without its influential attacker when the Super Four begins next week.

The former Lobi Stars’ coach though expressed a bit of sadness at the likely departure of the teenage striker for Europe, he went on to reel out names of players that can lift his side in the absence of Musa.

Joseph Thompson, Moses Ogaga, Mohammed Gambo and Victor Namo were those mentioned as players that can fill the void left by the free-scoring Musa.

“It is quite sad that we will lose one of the finest players we have had in recent times. But there’s nothing we can do because he is going to improve his career elsewhere that is much bigger, which is good for him,” began Yusuf by referring to Musa. “Don’t forget that we have players that can carry us without Ahmed Musa. There is Gambo Mohammed, Moses Ogaga, Victor Namo and Joseph Thompson – all good players. They did well when Ahmed was injured and I believe they can do well without him now.”