Wikki Tourists’ new manager, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, has said he may have inherited a rich technical stock put together by his predecessor, Abdu Maikaba which he believes is a good foundation to build on for a successful season ahead.
Baba Ganaru penned a one-year deal to lead the club in three competitive fronts, the Nigeria Professional Football League, Federation Cup and CAF Confederation Cup in the 2016/17 season.
Speaking on a local radio sports show in Kano, Dala 88.5 FM, Ganaru applauded Maikaba for guiding the team to fourth and third place finish respectively in two consecutive seasons.
In what is almost a rare admiration by an incoming manager for a predecessor in the NPFL, Ganaru told the radio panel: “He (Maikaba) made his mark like a true tactician, it is a legacy that any coach will want to build on and excel to higher heights. I congratulate him for job well done and wish him all the best in his new job.”
But the respect Ganaru has shown Maikaba may have emanated from their past working relationship at Kano Pillars where they worked together during some of the Kano side’s successes in the NPFL.
Under the coaches, Pillars won two consecutive league titles in a run that saw the Sai Masu Gida create a record of four title runs.
Ganaru described his latest shift in work base to Bauchi as a fertile ground that would only require him making minor adjustments to the squad to put Wikki Tourists back on strong footing.
“My predecessor worked with an average young squad. I am stepping in to complement his deeds and see how the team becomes a greater force, not just in our local league, but with possible exploits on the continent,” Ganaru said.
Ganaru will make his debut appearance in CAF’s second tier competition though he has experienced an outing in the CAF Champions League with Kano Pillars.
“It is a great privilege to play in the Confederation Cup for the first time. We are not going there to make up the numbers, but to stand out as one big contender, that is why I have advised the management of Wikki Tourists to organize international club friendlies, that will enable us travel to countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, etc. I believe it’s a good way to expose the boys prior to the main tournament,” he stated.
Ganaru is raring to go when the new season kicks off in a bid to make up for his unimpressive outing at Pillars last term. He stated that his technical bench is not under pressure to succeed as no target was given to them by the Isa Matori-led board. Although the tactician is aware that the expectations of the Yankari fans are always high.
Wikki Tourists finished the outgone NPFL season in third position, having garnered 57 points from 36 matches. They will commence their pre-season programme on November 7, 2016.
By Uchenna Iyoke
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