With Adebayo Olodan
Having finished atop their Nigeria National League (NNL) group last season, many had expected Kwara Utd to start their campaign in the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign on a bright note but three matches into the season, the club is rooted to the bottom of the log with no win or draw.
Additionally, the club has so far conceded five goals and is yet to find the back of the net of their opponents in those three matches.
First, United lost 0-2 at home to Niger Tornadoes, that defeat was followed by another loss against MFM and FC IfeanyiUba in Lagos and Nnewi respectively.
Except United starts picking up points at home and on the road, the club risk making a quick return to the NNL.
Prior to the commencement of the season, the management of the club and Coach John Obuh pledged to retain the elite division status of the team.
Such promise is now being threatened by the unimpressive results posted by the club so far. Picking no point out of a possible nine is not a good way to start a league season and after only three matches, seven points separate Kwara United and the league leaders; Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
One positive note from those defeats is the improvement of the team in each of the matches played. Based on the clips I saw from the team’s matches, United is not a bad side and with proper blending, the team should come good in subsequent matches and pick up the needed points.
On the part of the club President, Oladimeji Thompson and the rest of the management team, they should continue to support the club especially in the area of players’ welfare.
This is not the time to slash the salaries of the players or technical crew but the time to ensure prompt payment of their wages. To boost the performance of the players, the management may announce special bonus for a win or draw especially anytime they play on the road.
As for coach Obuh, he needs to give all the players their chance and identify his strongest starting XI early. More importantly, the Psychologist of the club has an herculean task in the area of changing the mindset of the lads. Together with the coach, they must instill in the lads, a winning mentality or winning DNA.
For the players, they need to approach their subsequent matches with more seriousness and determination. They should not abhor the fear of being lynched by supporters of away team if they secure a win or draw on the road.
On the part of the supporters, they must continue to get behind the team whether at the Kwara State Stadium or any other match venue. Kwara Utd fans must stay away from trouble all season.
