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My Coaching Philosophy Is To Build Structure, Not Players – Coach Zubair
Coach Aliyu Zubair, Head Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and El-Kanemi Warriors, has extensively analysed his coaching philosophy, saying that it entails building structure, not players.
According to him, “if you build players, they will disappoint you when it mattered most, or when they are injured when they are most needed. But a strong structure will survive even when you were not around.
He credited the success of El-Kanemi Warriors’ current unbeaten streak in the NPFL season to their strong team structure rather than individual player development.
Speaking at the Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk, Coach Zubair emphasized that his focus is on building a robust, disciplined team framework where both regular starters and bench players receive the same training intensity and tactical preparation.
This, he believes, is the key to El-Kanemi Warriors being the only unbeaten team after 10 games this season in the NPFL, despite his recent absence due to WAFU B National duties.
He noted that the team’s philosophy centres on training and discipline for all players, ensuring readiness across the squad, regardless of starting status.
“We don’t build players; we build structure,” Coach Zubair stated, highlighting that such consistency has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s performance level.
Coach Zubair further discussed the ideal age for developing coachable players, emphasizing the potential of young players aged between 15 and 22.
He praised Kwara United as a prime example of a club investing in young players, even as he urged fans to be patient with the team, as young players represent the future of the club and the league.
Coach Zubair however, expressed gratitude to his mentors, Coaches Kadir Ikhana, Abdul Maikaba, John Obuh, and Tunde Sanni, whose guidance have shaped his coaching philosophy and approach, contributing to his career success.
By Sodiq Adebara
