Date: 2018-03-27

Kwara United coach Abubakar Bala has expressed his delight at his first win since he took charge of the relegation-threatened side.

The Kwara State Government-owned team beat Kano Pillars 2-1 in their Premier League match in Ilorin on Sunday, and Bala says he is confident the Harmony Boys will avoid the drop at the end of the season.

The ex-Niger Tornadoes coach became Kwara manager after John Obuh was fired on March 13 due to a series of poor results.

"It is a wonderful experience, and a turning point for me and the club," Bala told PUNCH correspondent in a telephone interview on Monday.

"The victory will give us a winning mentality to turn the table around.

"Nobody is happy seeing the team in this position but with Sunday's win, it is a sign that we will definitely get out of the relegation zone.

"My first target is to get out of the relegation zone, then my second target is in my mind."

He praised the management of the club and players for their support since his arrival.

He added, "I have support from the stakeholders and the management, and the way the players are responding to my coaching philosophy, I am hopeful that we will not only get out of relegation but have a good story to tell."