No lazy coach can succeed with Pillars – Ganaru

As coach of Pillars FC, what targets have you set for the team? Well, as you aware, Kano fans always expect the best from the team. At the beginning of the season when I was appointed to lead the coaching crew in acting capacity, we sat down with the players for a meeting. We said […]

As coach of Pillars FC, what targets have you set for the team?

Well, as you aware, Kano fans always expect the best from the team. At the beginning of the season when I was appointed to lead the coaching crew in acting capacity, we sat down with the players for a meeting. We said for the past four or five seasons we have always ended among the top 4 so this current season should not be an exception. Therefore, our target for this season is to pick a continental ticket or maintain the top 4. I also set a personal target that if I cannot get Pillars a continental ticket, the team should not go below fourth position on the table. Anything less than that will not be good enough.

So what are you doing to achieve the set goals?

On the side of the technical crew, we are doing our best to give the players the necessary training that will make them win matches. The players have responded and this is what is giving us the confidence that we would end with something this season. The management on its part is giving us all the support. We are adequately motivated with our bonuses and allowances. Honestly, we have nothing to complain about.

The team is not doing badly but how do you cope with the pressure from Pillars fans?

Really it is challenging. It is not easy to satisfy them because Kano fans are known for nothing less than winning. You just have to win whether at home or away from home. We are always under intense pressure. They don’t accept anything less than victory. But the management does not pile so much pressure on us.

Don’t you think the fans pressure keeps the players on their toes?

That’s why I like the fans. When you are there, they always push you harder, they always wake you up. They make you think of how to develop the team, move the team forward and win matches. How to get results is the only thing you keep thinking about. No lazy coach can succeed with Kano Pillars. You must be hard working.

So you are enjoying the pressure?

Yes, I like it so much. Without such pressure, one may relax and lose matches. But once there is pressure, you work harder, concentrate more and win matches. This is one thing I like so much about Pillars fans. They bring the best out of a coach.

Apart from your team, which other club do you think can win the league?

For now, Rangers, Enyimba and Dolphins are ahead of us. Any of these three clubs can win the league. But if you look at it critically, the league is still open. Looking at the points separating us, the difference is not much. I don’t think I am losing sleep over it. I am sure by the special grace of God, we shall still achieve our set goals.

What has been your most difficult match this season?

I see our home match against Akwa United as the most difficult so far. They gave us a very tough match. It was a very difficult match but we managed to win. Akwa United are highly technical and disciplined. Other clubs should watch out for them. In addition, our match against Warri Wolves was not so difficult but we could not beat them. The match ended 0-0. Although we put in so much effort, we could not win.

Which would you say is your best match so far?

I can say our match against Sharks. It is the best win because for the past three seasons, they always came to Kano and pick a draw. But his season, we were able to beat them with a wide margin. We won 4-1 convincingly. It is our best match this season.

Despite the good run, you are still coaching the club in acting capacity. Are you not worried by this?

I don’t see any difference between acting and substantive appointment. It is an administrative thing. It is for the management to either confirm me or leave me in acting capacity. But as far as the job is concerned, it does not matter to me. All I know is that if you are acting you are still the head, even if it is in permanent capacity, you are still the head. In case of any failure, it is you that will be held responsible and if there is victory, you take all the glory. For now I am in charge of the technical department and enjoying the support of the management, my colleagues and the playing staff. This is what matters to me for now.