Bandari cheerful after winning start in new season

Sofapaka's Titus Achesa (left) tackles Mohamed Siraj of Bandari. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Bandari’s victory over 2009 champions Sofapaka was a major confidence boost for the dockers as they head to Nairobi to face Tusker this weekend in one of the FKF-Premier League matches.

“I keep on motivating my players to constantly improve and give their best. We have began the season well and hope to maintain the momentum,” said Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo.

Odhiambo added that his boys are ready to face Tusker.

“Sofapaka is one of the top teams in Kenya and beating them was an added advantage,” said the coach.

Odhiambo said the dockers did not play competitive pre-season matches due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

“We will play two matches in Nairobi before returning to Mombasa. Our next match is against Tusker, then face City Stars next. We look forward to collecting maximum points in Nairobi,” added Odhiambo.

The tactician said he is yet to have his full squad as some players are nursing injuries.

“I had to use midfielder David King’atua to partner with Yema Mwana since strikers William Wardi and Mwita Joahana are down with injuries,” said Odhiambo. Abdallah Hassan scored the all-important goal against visiting Sofapaka in the 20th minute.

The coach singled out new acquisitions Hamadi Ile and Swaleh Chacha, who had been loaned to Mathare United.

“These two players made their Premier League debut for Bandari against Sofapaka and were exceptionally good,” said the tactician.

Dennis Magige and Hassan Idd, who had been loaned to Coast Stima, a national Super League side, are back in the team.

“We signed Alfonse Wache from national Super League side Coast Stima because I have been monitoring his performance. I could not risk to sign many players whose forms depended on their previous records. They have been inactive since March and I did not want to gamble,” said the coach.