I have proved myself – Pillars coach,Ganaru

Former El-Kanemi Warriors player Babaganaru has been an assistant coach at Pillars for the past five years before he took over the team this past campaign. He told MTNFootball.com he has repaid the confidence Pillars general manager Abba Galadima has in him despite the clamour by the fans that the club hire a “big-name” coach. […]

Former El-Kanemi Warriors player Babaganaru has been an assistant coach at Pillars for the past five years before he took over the team this past campaign.

He told MTNFootball.com he has repaid the confidence Pillars general manager Abba Galadima has in him despite the clamour by the fans that the club hire a “big-name” coach.

In this interview, he speaks on a wide-range of issues concerning his club and the past NPL campaign.  MTNFootball.com: Congratulations coach for winning the NPL title?

Thank you.

How does it feel being a league champion again?

I feel great and happy. It was not an easy thing to achieve. The most exciting thing to me about this success was that I won the league title in my first attempt as head coach of a Premier league side.

Your target was to win the league and cup double, but that was not to be…

Yes, it was my target and that of the entire team to end the season with the double, but we were able to get one of our two targets, the big one and the most important one for that matter. So I am happy to have won the league championship. There will always be another time for us to win the double.

Are you setting targets for next season already?

Not really, but the double could be won in another season and it may be next season.

You were appointed on interim capacity with Pillars, but were later allowed to continue based on the results you recorded.

Initially, I took over the team on interim capacity when the former head coach (Ladan Bosso) left. I thank God for everything that I was able to achieve with Pillars.

After I was given the mandate to handle the team, few people gave me chance to succeed, very few had confidence in what I could do it.

I specially thank the general manager (Abba Galadima) for believing in me and giving me a free hand to work. I also thank my technical crew and players for their cooperation.

I must be frank with you, in the beginning there was pressure from the team’s supporters that another coach should be employed but the general manager stood his ground to allow me continue. I thank God I did not disappoint those who trusted and supported me.

Which was the toughest game for you during the season?

All the games were tough because those that we won and drew at home or away, we all worked hard for them. It was a tough season.

You will lead Kano Pillars in next year’s CAF Champions League. What would be the target?

Firstly, I will have to look at the present team and see where we need to strengthen the team. Next season both in the domestic and continent, it won’t be easy for us because all eyes will be on us as the league champions, but we hope to excel again.

What contributed to Pillars being crowned champions this past season?

It was sheer determination, dedication and self belief on the part of all those involved in the team, the technical crew, management, players and supporters.

How would you rate the league this past season?

It was better than the previous season. The standard was high, but it could still be better.

What do you have to say to your club’s teeming fans?

We thank them all for standing by the team and having the belief we could do it