One-club man, Rabiu Ali, propelling Pillars at 44

World over, exceptional players who become one-club men always have a special reason for not wanting to move to any other club, even for better pay. Welshman Ryan Giggs of English club side Manchester United made 963 appearances for the club, Paulo Maldini born in Milan played 902 times for the club AC Milan, Francesco […]

World over, exceptional players who become one-club men always have a special reason for not wanting to move to any other club, even for better pay.

Welshman Ryan Giggs of English club side Manchester United made 963 appearances for the club, Paulo Maldini born in Milan played 902 times for the club AC Milan, Francesco Totti of AS Roma scored 307 goals in 788 appearances for the Wolves and Jamie Carraghar spent 17 years at Liverpool and emerged as the club’s second-longest ever serving player with 737 appearances.

These players and a few others earned legendary status at their clubs and were idolized for not being tempted away by the whiff of bigger money, as they always emphasized that it was all about loyalty. They could never fathom kissing another club badge.

However, in the Nigerian domestic league, the search for greener pastures abroad by players has made it extremely difficult to find a player who spent his entire career at only one club.

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No wonder! The biggest football club in the North, Kano Pillars, has had countless exceptional homegrown players lured away by lucrative deals from clubs within and outside the country.

This makes the captivating story of Rabiu Ali, fondly known as Pele, and regarded as one of the best players ever to play for Pillars, an interesting one. Despite over 300 appearances to date, scoring 133 goals for Pillars, Ali has chosen to remain with the club for 14 seasons in the Nigeria Premier Football League. He also did one season with Pillars in the second-tier of Nigeria professional league.

He was also a member of the Super Eagles B squad that came third at the 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) South Africa and also the 2018 edition in Morocco where Nigeria finished as runners up to the host nation.

Since there is always reward for hard work, the immensely talented attacking midfielder who has continued to roll back the years has won three NPFL titles with pillars between 2011 and 2014 and also has an FA Cup title under his belt.

Born in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, on 27 September 1980, Pele who had short stints with Zamfara United and Nasarawa United has made Pillars’ number 10 jersey a ‘permanent property’ from when he debuted for the ‘Masu Gida’ boys in 2009. Since then, he has not looked elsewhere.

When Weekend Trust Sports enquired why he has stuck to Kano Pillars like a lice despite tempting offers from foreign clubs, Ali said his loyalty to the club is 100 percent.

“For me, I’m just committed to my home-state club. I received several offers over the years from clubs like Rivers United, Heartland, and Enyimba.

“The most recent came from a Moroccan club when we went to play in the CHAN tournament in that country. But they were looking for a free transfer, while Kano Pillars were not interested in making any such deal.

“Even when Pillars were relegated in 2002, I decided to stay with the club to help promote them back to the Premier League. I didn’t want to abandon my club because I believe younger players look up to us and want us to leave a legacy.”

Having emerged as one of the most successful and most respected players in the NPFL, Ali was asked to speak on his next target with Pillars and he said: “I wish to play once more on the continent with Pillars. Even though Remo Stars lead by a wide margin on the log, this season, I aspire to be the top scorer, and I believe I will be able to achieve it.”

Furthermore, Ali attributed his longevity in football to dedication, commitment and self-discipline, which he said younger players lack. 

He said that instead of resting on his oars, he aspires daily to achieve more. “I always believe that whatever I put my mind to, I should be able to do it to the best of my ability.

“But if you observe many young players these days, you’ll see that they are too quick to think they’ve arrived. For me, I still aspire to improve my game every day. I always train; I never feign injuries like some players. I train throughout the season. That’s my secret.”

A man who has had an illustrious career, Ali has also experienced mixed fortunes having achieved memorable victories but saddened occasionally by some painful defeats.

“My happiest moment was when I scored in the Champions League quarter-final against Al-Ahly of Egypt in 2009. I still remember that we were on the rebound from a corner, and I ran very fast on the attack. None of their defenders could catch up with me.

“Our defensive midfielder at that time, Solomon Opkako, gave me the pass from the centre. The Al-Ahly goalkeeper was off his line, so I chipped the ball to beat him. I love that moment so much.”

“Talking about my saddest moments, it was the time we lost in the CAF Champions League semi-final to Heartland in 2009, and also the 2018 Federation Cup final loss to Enugu Rangers in Asaba. These are two of the saddest moments in my career that I will never forget.

Ali explained how he came about the nickname Pele, his cordial relationship with another Pillars’ legend, Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles star who is back to the club for a third stint, as well as the overwhelming love from Pillars’ fans.

“I was given the nickname when I was in primary school, and it stuck. Back then, I would take on several players and dribble past all of them. So, I was called ‘Pelen Yara,’ meaning the Pele among all the children, to say that I was the best player in my primary school.

“I have a very good relationship with Musa on and off the pitch. We are like family because Ahmed seeks advice from me. Talking about the team too, you would be surprised to see how he interacts even with the younger players.

“He is open to discussing how they (players) personally and the team will progress. He is not like other players who have achieved a lot in their career and so stay away from the younger players. He comes close to them, jokes with everyone, and motivates them.”

“Pillars’ fans are like my family. I don’t even feel happy to play at home or away without the fans. I always appreciate their support and prayers, and I pledge to keep doing my best for them and the club.

However, at 44 years, Ali is not oblivious of the law of diminishing returns. Therefore, he is already planning for life in retirement. But without mincing words, ‘Sarki’ (the King) as he is fondly called by the younger players has said no to coaching after retirement.

“As for what I will do after football, right now, I am into various businesses, and I think I will just continue with my business after football.”

“I feel I can’t go into coaching once I hang my boots. The challenges of football for me end with my playing days. But anyway, you know, one might be doing his thing while Allah has another plan for him.”