Ranchers Bees of Kaduna set to buzz again
At the moment, there is palpable excitement among football enthusiasts in Kaduna state over the imminent return of Ranchers Bees, a renowned football club that once held sway in Nigerian football. Early this week, it was announced that Super Eagles’ striker, Sadiq Umar, and Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna […]
At the moment, there is palpable excitement among football enthusiasts in Kaduna state over the imminent return of Ranchers Bees, a renowned football club that once held sway in Nigerian football.
Early this week, it was announced that Super Eagles’ striker, Sadiq Umar, and Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North, have jointly acquired the historic football club.
Ranchers Bees was once a dominant force in northern Nigerian football. However, in recent years, the Bees that used to sting ferociously have struggled in the lower tiers of Nigerian domestic football.
Umar, whose partner is the son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, said their mission is to rebuild the club’s legacy.
“Growing up, I watched Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players. It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be bona fide owners,” Umar said.
“I’m elated by the feedback from supporters and the people of Kaduna. We will bring back the old memories of the club and return the fans to the stadium.”
Both owners have pledged to invest in the team’s development, aiming for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the shortest possible time.
Ranchers Bees’ formation and exploits
Originally known as Defence Industry Corporation (DIC) Bees FC of Kaduna, the club was bought by the then US based business mogul, Alhaji Muktar Mohammed Aruwa, in 1986. He renamed the club as Ranchers Bees.
A pioneer member of the club, Dahiru Sadi (MON) explained to Daily Trust how Aruwa established one of the most formidable clubs in Africa.
He said: “When he (Aruwa) was about to start the club, he invited me to come and give my support. Then, I had left DIC Bees for Abiola Babes.
“I was the one who brought five of my teammates in Abiola Babes, Dominic Iorfa, Victor Ogunsanya, Tajudeen Olaiya, Danladi Ibrahim, and Hassan Abdullahi, to Ranchers Bees. I also brought in Ayo Ogunlana from Leventis United and Daniel Abdullahi from 3SC.
“The proprietor who wanted the best for the club employed an Argentine coach, Alex Dominique, from the USA. He was handling a university team. When he came, he met very good players and that also made his job so easy.”
Ranchers Bees represented Nigeria in the 1987 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Winners’ Cup and were winners of the WAFU Cup in 1988.
However, the once famous club which paraded exceptional players like Umar Garba “Mega,” Adamu Jeje, Ali Nayara, Salisu Yusuf, Tunde Abdulrahman, Abubakar Aliyu, Kabir Mohammed, Abubakar Balarable, Dan Amokachi, and the sextet from Abiola Babes, lost steam in the late 90s and eventually dropped out of the mainstream of Nigerian football.
Kaduna FA clarifies Ranchers Bees’ new status
The Chairman of the Kaduna State Football Association (FA), Faisal Mohammed Abdullah, has clarified that what has happened is not the outright purchase of Ranchers Bees but the acquisition of a slot in the Nigerian National League (NNL) for the coming season.
Speaking to Daily Trust, he explained that the club’s identity remains intact and that the arrangement is more of a partnership than a transfer of ownership.
“It’s not the purchase of the club. The club is still Ranchers Bees. It’s a purchase of an NNL slot to play in the coming season.
“Sadiq is already a part of the Ranchers Bees board, so they decided to give it a slot in the NNL, which is the second-tier league in the country,” he said.
Abdullah stressed that the “real owners” of the club remain in place, adding that Sadiq Umar’s ties to Ranchers Bees run deep, as his father once played for the team.
He described the initiative as part of a broader plan to unite youth from various sectors — including politics and sports — in collaboration with the state government.
Ranchers Bees’ legends excited by club’s rebirth
Whether partnership or complete acquisition of the club, former players of Ranchers Bees have expressed joy over the impending renaissance.
Most of the legends who spoke exclusively to Daily Trust were unanimous in their support for the project while urging the new financiers to deploy professionalism in managing the club.
A former Super Eagles midfielder, Dahiru Sadi, who said he played a pivotal role in the formation of the club couldn’t hide his joy.
He said: “I am happy that Sadiq Umar and Bello El-Rufai are trying to bring back the lost glory of the club. For Sadiq Umar, Ranchers Bees is in his blood. His father, Umar Garba “Mega” was our teammate in Ranchers Bees.
“He is also a nephew to another key member of Ranchers Bees, Ali Nayara. Sadiq’s mother is Ali’s sister. So, Sdaiq is Ranchers Bees through and through.
“Therefore, I am not surprised by his decision to help revive the club that his father represented with pride.”
Dahiru also advised the new owners to bring on board only those who share in their vision for the club.
“They should listen to useful advice and ensure that only professionals are brought in to manage the club. Those of us who are still around and are willing to guide the club can be given a chance,” said Sadi.
Sadiq’s uncle, Ali Nayara, also expressed gratitude to God that the name Ranchers Bees will be heard again in football circles within and outside the country.
“Honestly, it’s a fantastic feeling. I personally felt ashamed and disappointed that Ranchers Bees no longer featured prominently in Nigerian football.
“Ranchers Bees as a club ranks among historic teams like IICC now called 3SC, Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars, Iwuanyanwu Nationale now Heartland. All these clubs are still in existence.
“Ranchers Bees wasn’t a small club. My father played in DIC which later became Ranchers Bees. My nephew whom I call my son, Sadiq Umar, is playing a key role in the revival of this same club, so it is a happy moment for me.”
He also called for professionalism in the running of the club.
“Ranchers Bees wasn’t a small club so everything should be done in line with the standard set by the founder during his time.
“Those of us who are still alive should support these young men to actualize their dream for the club. Personally, I am ever willing to contribute my quota. I will never be tired of serving Ranchers Bees,” he enthused.
Another legend, Abubakar Aliyu said: “It is a great move which is highly commendable. Although a big name, Ranchers Bees was gradually fading away. The fans of the club were disappointed but I am sure they are now happy.
“My advice is that football is serious business. It is capital intensive. So, they should be ready to invest their time and resources wisely. They must bring in only those who know the business of football.
“It is worrisome that despite the talents that abound in Kaduna, we still do not have a Premier League club. Kaduna used to be the home of football in the north. So, it will be good to have a Premier League club again in the state.”
Kabir Mohammed, another Ranchers Bees’ icon, was over excited. However, he advised the new financiers to tread cautiously in order to succeed in their new venture.
“When the news broke, I tried to confirm it. Now that it is becoming a reality, I am very happy. I am praying that nothing should go wrong. I want the lost glory of Ranchers Bees to return.
“But they should be careful in choosing those who will manage the club. Those who have been around and are conversant with the history of the club should be consulted and considered for roles.
“For instance, I once served as Welfare officer of the club and later, I was appointed the Team Manager. I am willing to serve the club even in this new dispensation.”
Meanwhile, Tunde Abdulrahman, popularly called “Tunde Black,” who said he was the first captain of the club has asked God to bless those who are working assiduously to revive Ranchers Bees.
“Our sons who have come out to resuscitate Ranchers Bees won’t lack the necessary support. In the areas of coaching and administration, some of us are still available.
“For instance, I am a qualified coach. I was sponsored by Ranchers Bees. Apart from Ranchers Bees which I have handled twice, I have coached at Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, JUTH FC Jos, El-Kanemi Warriors, Katsina United (twice) and Yobe Desert Stars.
“So, I will be more than willing to give back to the club that contributed immensely to my football career as a player, and now, a coach.”