They are my pillar of support', Bala appreciates Ndanusa, Ahmed Fresh, Adamu Aliyu and Abubakar Garba on his coaching career
'They are my pillar of support', Bala appreciates Ndanusa, Ahmed Fresh, Adamu Aliyu and Abubakar Garba on his coaching career
The Technical Adviser of Katsina United, Coach Bala Abubakar has expressed his undiluted appreciation to some set of personalities who he described as the 'strong pillar of his support'
Bala after a deep reflection on his coaching career which is now spanning over three decades noted that these personalities contributed immensely to his progress.
"I believe in a saying which says that whenever Allah blesses you, you should be grateful to him and also thank those instruments of help he used.
"These people I'm talking about have been there for me both in tough and good times. They have stood by me throughout my career and it's through them that Almighty Allah has helped me.
"I would like to specially thank Engr. Sani Ndanusa, the former Minister of Sports of the federal republic of Nigeria for graciously enrolling me at the National institute for sports( NIS) in Lagos for my advanced coaching course.
"He ensured that I got admitted even when they had rejected my application. He didn't stop there, He also paid my school fees
and was responsible for most of my maintenance.
"He was also there for me when I became the Chairman Niger State Youth Coaches Association and for all through my tenure he was the sole sponsor of many of our programmes.
"He also gave me huge support when I started Coaching Bida Lions and never said no to me anytime I went to him for help.
Also speaking, he thanked Honourable Abubakar Garba Mohammed Skipper for his support for his career.
He recalled that Alhaji Garba who was once a councilor and Chairman in the Suleja Local government gave him his first job at Niger Tornadoes as Coach in 2013 as he was the then Commissioner of sports in Niger State.
"I have to thank Honourable Garba too. He gave me my first appointment into Niger Tornadoes in 2013 and that's where my Premier League journey began up till where I am today.He didn't only give me the job but also supported me all through.
In another breadth, Coach Bala also heaped praises on Adamu Aliyu, the former Chairman Niger Tornadoes and the Principal Private Secretary to former Governor Abubakar Bello.
"Honourable Adamu Aliyu was another great influence of my career. He appointed me as Acting Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes in the 2016/2017 season.
"Under his watch in the two separate stints that I had with the Ikon Allah, we were able to secure promotion to the NPFL twice and also got to the final of the Aiteo Cup twice amongst other notable achievements which were made possible through his support.
Coach Bala led Niger Tornadoes to the finals of the 2017 Aiteo Cup and lost to Akwa United via penalty shootout and to Kano Pillars in 2019 in Kaduna. Also under Adamu Aliyu, Niger Tornadoes also qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup and played SANTOBA FC of Guinea Conakry.
He described Honourable Aliyu who is also the President of Niger United Football Club, a football outfit Coach Bala established that played in 2007 and 2008 seasons as a great man who has a large heart.
Coach Bala also extolled Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, the Chairman of the Niger State Football Association for giving him a lot of opportunity especially to be part of the National team coaching crew.
"I sincerely want to thank Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for his recommendation for the top job at different categories of the National teams.
"It was through him I became the Assistant Coach of U20 National team in 2018, went on to become part of the U23 Olymipc team and also the CHAN Eagles.
"All these opportunities have really helped me grow in this career and I believe I need to appreciate all of them for their support.
While noting that he will continue to make them proud, Coach Bala stated that he will continue to be a good ambassador of Niger State.
WHO IS COACH ABUBAKAR BALA MUHAMMED?
Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed, hails from the family of late Wakilin Nupawa and the Ndeji of Minna, Niger State.
He attended Limawa Primary School, Minna from where he moved to CAILS Minna, he had his tertiary education at ABU Zaria and BUK, Kano, before he attended the National Institute for Sports, Lagos.
The highly gifted merchant tactician started his coaching career in his home town with KISS FC from 1985 through 2006, from where he joined Nationwide League One side, Bida Lions FC from 2006 through 2009.
The highly resourceful gaffer joined Black Stars in 2009 and after just a season, he staged a return back to Bida Lions FC 2010 through 2011, he was named Head Coach of NLO Division Two side, Patros FC of Umuaka, Imo State in 2011, he joined Zagbai FC of Bauchi in 2012 and was named Head Coach of FC Lokoja in 2013.
The Flying Eagles assistant coach joined Niger Tornadoes in 2013 and served as an assistant coach under Coach Abdullahi Biffo, and was later named the Head Coach and led the Ikoh Allah side to the finals of the 2017 Aiteo Cup and lost to Akwa United via penalty shootout.
He left Tornadoes to team up with Kwara United on rescue mission, a feat he was able to achieve in his first season with the Harmony Warriors.
He staged a second return to Niger Tornadoes toward the end of 2019 season and used his magic coaching wand to lead the team to yet another Aiteo Cup final and lost to Kano Pillars.
Coach Bala, who is now currently with Katsina United is happily married and blessed with adorable children
