Kano Pillars gear up for Super Four
by Ibitoye Shittu 07 January 2013, 13:20
Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Kano Pillars have confirmed their readiness for the coming Super Four.
Kano Pillars, who are the current top flight holders will be the hosts of the tournament which is expected to hold between January 9 and 13 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano.
The pre-season tournament is meant for the four club representatives that will campaign in the African club competitions this year.
They are Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers, Heartland, and Lobi Stars.
Delay in the commencement of the 2012/13 Premier League season prompted the NFF to arrange the tournament which is aimed at keeping the nation's campaigners in the Caf competitions in good shape.
Enugu Rangers, who were last season's runners-up in the NPL will open the competition against Lobi Stars from 1pm Nigerian time, while champions, Kano Pillars will lock horns with Cup holders, Heartland from 3pm in the second duel on Wednesday, January 9.
The draws for the 2012/13 NPL season will also be made in Kano on Sunday, January 13 which is the last day of the Super Four.
Kano Pillars' head coach, Baba Ganaru is optimistic that his wards would win the Super Four.
“The Super Four is good and it comes at the right time which will give me the opportunity to access my players.
“We lost the pre-season championship last year in Kaduna, but this time, we are ready to win the Super Four to boost our morale for next month's Caf Champions League,” Ganaru said to supersport.com.
The former El-Kanemi Warriors' coach also expressed dismay with the February 16 date set for the start of 2012/13 NPL season.
“We are not happy with that date and I would be glad if something could be done because of our Champions League campaign,” he concluded.
Kano Pillars were on Sunday forced to a goalless draw by NPL returnees, El-Kanemi Warriors in a friendly tune up game decided at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata.
The Sai Masugida will kick-off their Champions League campaign on the weekend of February 15, 16 and 17 against Olympique de Bangui of Central African Republic while the return leg holds in fortnight.
