Kano Pillars have appointed Lione Emmanuel Soccia as their new Technical Adviser a one-year deal, club president Surajo Shu’aibu Yahaya confirmed on Tuesday.

Pillars appointed Soccia in order to fulfill the Confederation of African Football (CAF) directive that all clubs in this year’s Confederation Cup must be managed by a coach with an “A” license.

Kano Pillars are one of Nigeria’s two representatives in the 2020-21 Confederation Cup.

Soccia was selected out of eight candidates, five of whom are foreign and Nigerian coaches, Surajo told the club’s website.

Explaining why the club chose the Frenchman, Surajo said, “He has met all the criteria set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), because he has a UEFA” A and African level training license.”

“He has also coached football in Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania and South Africa.”

Surajo said the new coach is already in the country and will be unveiled on Wednesday, 21 October, 2020.

“We concluded all the necessary contractual agreement with him and he will sign a one year contract with us as soon as he arrives Kano on Wednesday,” Surajo said.

The appointment, Surajo said, would not “tamper” with the technical crew already at the club although it is not immediately clear what happens to former Technical Adviser Ibrahim Musa.

If Musa remains, he could possibly take charge of league games while Soccia takes point on the continent.