Kano Pillars Technical Adviser Ibrahim Musa has set his sights on retaining the Aiteo Cup and winning the league title after he renewed terms on a one-year contract with the Sai Masu Gida.

Musa, who has been with Pillars in various capacities for over two decades was retained by the club for the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League Season alongside his backroom staff of Chief Coach Ahmad Garba Yaro, Assistant Coach Friday Christopher, Goalkeeper Trainer Muzammil Aliyu and Team Manager Kabiru Baleria.

And speaking to busybuddiesng.com after affirming the one-year contract on Monday, Musa who first assumed stewardship of the first team on an interim basis following the resignation of Khadiri Ikhana in 2017 said signing a new contract is a call for him to “wake up again” and lead Kano Pillars to more glory.

“For this signing, I have to wake up again to defend my title by the grace of God, I’ll defend my title as Kano Pillars manager,” Musa told busybuddiesng.com.

The Kano State native learned the ropes of football management at Pillars under storied managers like Justin Tenger, Salisu Yusuf, Kadiri Ikhana, Baba Ganaru, Ladan Bosso, Abdu Maikaba and Okey Emordi.

And in July, Musa became the first coach to lead the Sai Musa Gida to a first-ever triumph in the Aiteo Cup when his side beat Niger Tornadoes on penalties at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and in the process, atoned for the incredible capitulation which saw them lose the 2018 final to Rangers.

Having progressively placed third and second on the NPFL log in the last two seasons, Musa says the upcoming season presents a chance for Pillars who were knocked out of this season’s CAF Champions League by Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko to take the “next step” and claim the league title for the fifth time and perhaps achieve a league and cup double.    

“About the league, I will try to win the league because last year I came third, this year I came second, next step, I have to win the league and I maintain my champion as a champion of the Aiteo Cup and go far in prepare well to go far in continental [competition].”

Musa urged fans of the club to continue with their support for the side and said his “door is always open” to pointers that can help take the team to higher heights.

“I urge them [fans] to pray for us and advise as because it is not a one-man job. All advice that will help the team progress, I need it so my door is always open to taking advice and prayers from them.”