Date: 2018-03-25

New Kwara United manager Abubakar Bala is keen to start his first top-flight assignment on a winning note.

The Harmony Boys are hosts of four-time Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars, in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 14 clash at the Kwara State Stadium in llorin.

The Flying Eagles assistant coach replaced former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles manager John Obuh at the llorin outfit.

Bala admitted that he will be making his debut in charge of the Afonja Warriors against traditionally tough opponents.

"You will agree with me that I'm starting my first assignment at Kwara United with really tough opponents, Kano Pillars.

"Nonetheless, I still want to leave a mark by starting on a good note.

"Of course, a convincing victory is on my mind against the Kano side.

"Victory in the clash against Pillars will help shape the mentality and psyche of the players going forward to other matches on the calendar.

"The key right now is to strive to give the players a winning mentality.

"The task before me is daunting but not insurmountable; I believe together we can change the side's fortune for the better," the former Niger Tornadoes coach told supersport.com.

The top-flight newcomers are at the bottom of the 20-team elite league log on a paltry 11 points, 12 behind leaders Lobi Stars though with a match to spare at reigning champions Plateau United.