Fed Cup: Ranchers want to be Kaduna champs

Ranchers Bees on Thursday at the Kaduna Township Stadium defeated hard-fighting Nigeria Nationwide side, Standard FC 3-2 in the semifinals to pave the way for the final clash on Saturday against the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Kaduna United at same venue.
The first half ended 1-1 but Ranchers Bees scored two quick goals at the resumption of play while Standard FC grabbed their second goal in the dying minutes from the penalty spot.
Coach of the Bees, Julius Jatau Alhassan said though his team and Kaduna United have qualified to represent the state at the national preliminary he will want his side to enter the national leg as state champions.
“Sure, we’ll be playing for pride in the final as both sides have qualified to represent the state at the national finals but we’ll like to go to the national competition as champions of the state.
“We want to be champions though we won’t see the encounter against Kaduna United as a do-or-die clash.
“We’ll give the game our very best as it affords us the opportunity to see what some of the new additions in our fold can give in a competitive match.
“Standard FC are a good side and have toughened my wards for the clash against Kaduna United. They gave us a big scare which is characteristic of the Challenge Cup. We’re happy to have survived their challenge,” said the former Kaduna United coach to supersport.com.