THE recent appointment of Baba Ganaru as the new Technical Adviser of Kano Pillars FC marks a decisive moment in the club’s ongoing rebuilding process. For many fans and football stakeholders, this is more than a routine managerial change. It is the return of a familiar, trusted hand who helped shape some of the club’s proudest moments in history.
A Homecoming Steeped In Glory
Ganaru’s relationship with Kano Pillars runs deep. He first joined the club as Assistant Coach, before rising to the position of Technical Adviser, during which time the team reached unprecedented heights. Under his guidance and tactical acumen as Assistant Coach and Technical Adviser, Pillars dominated the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), clinching the league title three consecutive times; a feat that established the club as a dominant force in Nigerian football.
Beyond domestic success, Ganaru was an integral part of the technical crew that led Kano Pillars to their first-ever CAF Champions League appearance. It was a campaign that placed the club, and by extension, Nigerian football on the continental map.
Pillars famously eliminated Al-Ahly of Egypt, AS Douanes of Senegal, and Elec-Sport of Chad at the preliminary stages, before topping a formidable group that included El-Merreikh and El-Hilal of Sudan, and ZESCO United of Zambia. Although Pillars were eventually eliminated in the semifinals by Heartland FC of Owerri, that historic run remains one of the club’s most cherished memories.
Ganaru’s deep understanding of Pillars’ culture, players, and fans makes his return both timely and symbolic, a reunion between the club’s glorious past and its quest for a brighter future.
Setting The Agenda: The Road Ahead
With his reappointment, expectations are understandably high. The club has experienced turbulent seasons in recent years, and Ganaru’s mandate is clear: to restore stability, rebuild confidence, and reignite the Sai Masu Gida spirit that once made Kano Pillars the pride of the North and a household name across Africa.
The following agenda outlines the key priorities for the new Technical Adviser:
1. Rebuild A Winning Team Identity
Ganaru must reestablish the core principles that once defined Pillars tactical discipline, teamwork, and resilience. This involves instilling a clear playing philosophy that reflects the club’s values and identity.
2. Player Development And Recruitment Strategy
As a coach known for discovering and developing local talent, Ganaru should focus on balancing youth and experience. Investing in young, hungry players from within Kano and beyond will help sustain long-term competitiveness.
3. Strengthen Technical Structure and Team Cohesion
Building a strong technical team is essential. Each department fitness, tactics, and player welfare must function in harmony to deliver consistent performance across all competitions.
4. Reignite Continental Ambition
Pillars’ legacy in African competitions must be revived. Ganaru’s experience at the continental level makes him well suited to rebuild a team capable of competing beyond the NPFL.
5. Rebuild Relationship With The Fans
The passionate Kano fans remain the heartbeat of the club. Ganaru’s leadership must extend beyond the pitch to reconnect with the supporters, restore their faith, and create a renewed sense of unity around the team.
Management Matters: The Question Of Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’
While Ganaru’s arrival brings optimism, it also presents a management challenge that must be addressed swiftly and transparently the role of suspended Assistant Coach, Ahmed Garba “Yaro Yaro.”
Yaro Yaro, himself a former Kano Pillars player and a respected figure in the club’s history, remains under suspension. However, with the new technical structure taking shape under Ganaru, the management must clarify his current status and future role within the team.
The decision on Yaro Yaro’s position should be guided by the club’s broader vision:
If the suspension was administrative or disciplinary, the club should conclude the process fairly and promptly, ensuring justice and transparency.
If reinstatement is possible, it should be based on merit and professional conduct, aligning with the new technical direction set by Ganaru.
Conversely, if the management deems it necessary to move forward with a different technical setup, this must be communicated clearly to avoid internal tension and maintain harmony within the coaching crew.
Ultimately, Kano Pillars’ success will depend not only on the quality of players and tactics but also on the unity and professionalism of its management and technical staff.
A Return With Purpose
Baba Ganaru’s return to Kano Pillars FC is both a story of continuity and renewal. He carries with him the memories of past triumphs and the responsibility of future success. For the management, players, and supporters, this moment offers a chance to turn the page to rebuild with purpose, discipline, and vision.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Sai Masu Gida bench. And if history is any guide, Baba Ganaru may just be the man to lead Kano Pillars back to the summit of Nigerian football and beyond.
- Adamu, a public commentator, writes from Kano.