The newly promoted Ranchers Bees Football Club of Kaduna is setting its sights on a strong debut season in the Nigeria National League (NNL), with head coach Patrick Bassey pledging to make both the club and the state proud.
Bassey, who took charge of the iconic Kaduna-based side earlier this year, gave the assurance in an interview with journalists shortly after Ranchers Bees played a friendly encounter against Doka Academy at the Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna, over the weekend.
The tactician, visibly confident in the direction the team is heading, said the club’s promotion to the second tier of Nigerian football was only the beginning of what he described as “a bigger mission” to restore the Bees to their rightful place in the country’s football hierarchy.
Coach Bassey, while speaking to newsmen, emphasized his commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging for honors in the upcoming season.
“Ranchers Bees is not just a football club; it is a brand that carries the history, identity, and passion of Kaduna people,” he said. “Our promotion is a new beginning, and I can assure everyone that we will represent Kaduna with pride and determination in the Nigeria National League.”
The former youth coach added that the team’s preparations have been intensive, with emphasis on tactical discipline, physical fitness, and mental strength. He noted that the friendly against Doka Academy was part of a deliberate effort to test different formations and integrate new signings into the squad.
Ranchers Bees’ return to the limelight has rekindled excitement among fans who still recall the glory days of the club, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s when the team was one of the most respected sides in Northern Nigeria.
Coach Bassey said the team is leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely competitive NNL season.
“We know the league is tough. There are no easy matches in the NNL. Every team is fighting for promotion to the top-flight, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). But we are ready for the challenge,” Bassey remarked.
According to him, the technical crew has lined up a series of test matches against both NNL and NPFL sides to sharpen the team’s readiness ahead of kickoff.
One of the priorities for Ranchers Bees this season, Bassey explained, is building a balanced squad that blends youth and experience.
“Kaduna is blessed with raw football talent,” he noted. “We have scouted widely, especially in local academies and grassroots tournaments, to discover young players hungry to prove themselves. At the same time, we are bringing in experienced players who understand the demands of the NNL.”
The coach revealed that some of the new signings have already started showing promise during training sessions and friendly games. He said the ultimate goal is to create a team identity built on hard work, teamwork, and discipline.