Nasarawa United is battle ready – Danladi

How ready is Nasarawa United for the commencement of the 2012/2013 league season?We are very very ready. In fact we are hundred percent ready because this league has been postponed more than twice and if any team is not ready up to now, it means it is not ready for the league. We have been […]

How ready is Nasarawa United for the commencement of the 2012/2013 league season?
We are very very ready. In fact we are hundred percent ready because this league has been postponed more than twice and if any team is not ready up to now, it means it is not ready for the league. We have been able to bring in tested players to beef up players we have on ground. In a nutshell, I believe we have done so well and we are ready for the challenges ahead.
Your first match of the season is against El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday. How are you looking forward to the match?
The die is cast and we are going into Sunday’s match with great expectations. We believe we shall come out victorious. If we are able to win our first match at home convincingly, it will go a long way in boosting our confidence ahead of other matches.
Have you set any target for the team?
Our target is to do very well in the league. We do not want to start talking about continental ticket right away because there are so many older clubs that have been there and fighting hard to play in the continent. Our concern for now is to do well in the league. However, if along the line we find ourselves in a position to pick one of the continental tickets, that would be a bonus for us.
How motivated is Nasarawa United FC?
The team is a highly motivated and disciplined side. The governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has been most supportive. He has supported us financially and morally and we cannot ask for more than these from him. He stood by us throughout our campaign in the National League as he ensured heavy government presence at all our matches. Apart from the support from His Excellency, I like to let you know that two days ago, from the sport equipment supplied to the state government by a kit manufacturing company from Austria, we released canvasses, bags, training kits and other ceremonial jerseys to the players and the officials. With this I can tell you that the team is highly motivated. This team has never been motivated like this before by any government in Nasarawa State. So we shall remain grateful to his Excellency, Governor Al-Makura.
But motivation of players goes beyond giving them foreign kits. What are you doing in the area of payment of sign on fees and salaries?
It may interest you to know that we have never owed the players before. We have been paying their entitlements as and when due. We hope to continue with this. As the league is about to commence, we have processed all their entitlements as far as their sign on fees and salaries are concerned. Once funds are released to us by His Excellency, we shall go ahead and pay what is due to the players and their officials. We are aware of the fact that players and officials depend so much on their match bonuses.
The other time you said Lafia township stadium was undergoing renovation. What is the state of the stadium as you get set for the commencement of the league?
As I talk to you, the stadium is ready and is among the best in the country. You are free to come and see things for yourself. Members of the league management committee were here on inspection and they gave us a clean bill of health. Before now, the stadium was not TV friendly and that was why we played our home matches away from home. However, when we returned to the Premier League, the government of Nasarawa State decided that the stadium should be renovated immediately. It put in all the necessary effort and today, I can confidently tell you that we have a standard stadium that can host any competition. In fact the terraces are intact and the pitch is lush green. We are not using astro turf but natural lush green Kenyan grass which is the best playing turf.
Going by the problems that have bedevilled the NPL, are you confident the league will kick off as scheduled?
I agree with you. Even some of us had doubt that the league might not start as scheduled but the interim management committee sent in press statement to the clubs and have gone on air to say there is no going back on the March 9 date. So let us take them by their words. They have been working hard to ensure that the league commences so let’s give them a chance.
You were in South Africa where the Eagles won their third AFCON title. What would you say was responsible for that achievement?
Well first and foremost the challenges that were given to Keshi played a vital role. When we started, the team was not playing well and the leadership of the NFF had to sit him down for discussions. I believe some vital observations and corrections were made. Secondly the commitment from the players, especially the home based players also played a key role. Using at least four Home-based players was unprecedented. The Nigerian Premier League actually contributed significantly to this victory. Again the moral and financial support from the government and the NFF also contributed to the success. Furthermore, I want to also believe that the unflinching support from the supporters club which was on ground in full force in South Africa was useful. And the prayers from well meaning Nigerians, both home and abroad played a great role. Some of us became prayer warriors to ensure that the team triumphed. So it was a collective responsibility.
Finally, how can Nigeria build on this success?
You know success is difficult to maintain. I want Keshi and the players to keep their heads very low. They should not begin to feel over confident. Keshi should give more chances to the local players who are rearing to go. The NFF and the federal government through the NSC should not relent in their efforts. They should continue to support the team. NFF should expose the local players to more international friendly matches so that they will develop more confidence and understanding. Once that is done, the sky will be the limit for the team.