By Rasaq Oboirien
KANO Pillars Baba Ganaru says he's using the Gold Cup pre-season tournament in Ijebu-Ode to shape up his team for the new season.
The Pyramid side who were three times back-to-back winners of the league title before losing it to the Peoples Elephants last season.Ganaru told NaijaSportsXtra after his team's 2-0 victory against FC Ebedei on Thursday that: "Am delighted that we won our first game, as am using the Gold Cup to blend the new and old players together to form a formidable team that can wrestle the likes of seven times Nigeria Premier League
winners, Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United others for this year's title."
Ganaru however commended NationWide League 1 side, FC Ebedei for their display.
"They are young and very energetic, by my standard, they did very well as they gave us a good game."
Asked if feels he has recruited well for the upcoming season.
"Yes, I feel we have recruited well for the upcoming season looking at the games we have played during the pre-season. Aside the defeat to Sardauna United in Kaduna, which of course was via penalties, we have not lost during regulation time, rather we have gone unbeaten."
Ganaru, however opined that Ijebu-Ode fans need be encouraged to watch the Gold Cup pre-season tourney.
"The championship has set a standard, looking at the teams that are participating, but a lot still need be done by the organisers, they should try and make fans watch the matches.
"We (Pillars) are not used to playing games at half full stadia, as we play better when we see fans," he stated.
