Aranka rallies troops for Bayelsa derby

Source: 50degreeswest.com

Nembe City head coach, John Aranka, has told supersport.com that he is now preparing his team for the derby against rivals, Bayelsa United.

The two sides go head-to-head for the first time in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Samson Siasia Stadium this Wednesday.

An excited Aranka said his mind is already set for the Bayelsa derby after guiding his team to a 2-1 win over Wikki Tourists in an NPFL match on Sunday in Yenagoa.

"I'm happy that we have the chance to face Bayelsa United in this derby. We just have to put behind us the win over Wikki Tourists on Sunday. The boys deserve a lot of credit for the win but it's still a long way to the end of the season.

"Our focus is now on the derby with Bayelsa United. It presents us with a good chance of a result and to stay up there on the league table," said Aranka, a former Nigeria under-20 defender.

The Nembe City trainer is also satisfied with his team's fine start to the season in which they find themselves currently in fourth spot, a position ahead of their rivals, Bayelsa United, in fifth.

Aranka does not want to make any promise but is keen on guiding City to "a respectable finish" in their debut season in the top flight.