The captain of Katsina United, Usman Bara’u, has said he is proud to represent his club in the lower division even as he is still one of the best midfielders in the Nigerian league. Speaking to Trust Sports, the vastly experienced defensive midfielder spoke on life in the NNL, the fight for promotion to the NPFL and the motivation from the Government and management of Katsina United.
Katsina United are presently unbeaten in the 2023 Nigeria National League abridged season. How happy are you?
May Allah be praised. I am extremely happy that we are doing very well in the Nigerian National League (NNL). So far, we have played four matches without a loss. We have won three home matches and drawn one away match in Abuja. I am happy not just for the results but for the fact that playing in the NNL is quite difficult. It is not the same as Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), so every win in the NNL is very important.
What is the immediate target for Katsina United in the ongoing season?
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Our target is well known to even people who are not in Katsina United. We have just one ambition which is to immediately return to the Nigerian topflight. It is also for this reason that I said I am happy with the victories we have recorded so far. The season is abridged so we are going to play fewer matches. Therefore, there is no time to waste. The more points we gather early, the better for us.
Out of the matches Katsina United have played so far, which would you say was the toughest?
Without any doubt, I will say our match against Jigawa Golden Stars in Katsina was the toughest. We took the lead but they equalised and we had to labour till the 88th minute when we finally got the winning goal. Most of our fans thought the match was going to end in a draw. In fact, some of them had left the stadium before we scored the equaliser.
Considering your profile, why didn’t you leave Katsina United when the club was relegated to the NNL?
I am the captain of the team and also an indigene of Katsina State so I am totally committed and dedicated to the club. When the club was relegated, I got offers from some of the big clubs in the NNL but I decided to stay because I am not the kind of captain that will allow his ship to sink permanently. I discussed with the management and we agreed that I should stay back and help the club return to the topflight. I don’t want to leave now that we are playing in the NNL. Maybe when we return to the NPFL and I have a better offer, I will consider it. For now, I am fully committed to Katsina United.
You have stayed back but what about the other big players in the team?
Our team is almost intact. It will surprise you to know that almost all the top players you know are still here. I personally spoke to those who wanted to leave. I was able to convince them to stay and help in the fight for promotion. Therefore, I can say only two or three players who were regulars last season have left the club. Most of them listened to me and are here with us. And you can see from the results we have recorded so far that the team is formidable.
You are one of the best midfielders in Nigerian football. Are you not ashamed to be playing in the NNL?
No, there is nothing shameful about it. We are still playing professional football. And even if it were in the amateur league, football is football at any level you are playing. And as it is said, nothing in life is permanent except change. Few years back, I was playing in the NPFL but this year, it was destined that I will play in the NNL so I have no problem with it. Moreover, this is not the first time for a big player as you called me, to play in the lower division. Even in Europe, when a big club is relegated, most of the players go down with the team. I remember when Juventus were relegated, the players stayed back and played to return the club to Serie A. Like I told you earlier, I am a son of the soil and I cannot leave Katsina United simply because the club is relegated. I am right now playing in the NNL but in a few months, we shall be back in the NPFL by the special grace of God.
Is the Katsina State Government which is the sole financial of the club still committed to the welfare of the players?
Yes, even as we are campaigning in the lower division, nothing has changed. As a matter of fact, we are receiving better treatment now that we are not playing in the NPFL. I think the Government and management of the club are trying to motivate us so that we would put in our best for Katsina United to be promoted back to the NPFL. In fact, our match bonuses which have been increased are paid right there on the field once we win our match. I don’t think any other club in the Nigerian league is doing the same thing. Apart from bonuses, the government ensures that we collect our salaries at the same time with civil servants in the state. Once they get their alerts, we also see ours. So, to answer your question, I can say the Government and management of Katsina United are right now giving more attention to the welfare of the players.
Are the fans still enthusiastic about Katsina United?
Well, attendance at our home matches has reduced but I don’t think it is because we are not playing in the NPFL. Katsina people are passionate about football. I think the ongoing fasting too is affecting match attendance. I believe that when they are done with fasting, the fans will return in their numbers to cheer us to victories.
Your next match is against FWC in Abuja. What are your expectations?
As a team, we have resolved to go for the maximum points. We know it is not going to be easy but we are going to put in everything to win the match. So, our mission in Abuja this weekend is to beat FWC and return to Katsina with the maximum points.
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