“We had targets unfortunately we had a tough round full of mixed results. We currently sit 12th on the log and with a club of our stature it is a position we shouldn’t be at, we ought to be among the clubs topping the league.
“With two games at hand to play, we want to begin positively and turn our season around for a solid second round.”
The 2009 champions will face Wazito at Wundanyi Stadium on Sunday in their first match after the top-tier resumed and the former Bandari head coach said the game will give them an opportunity to start a good run.
FOOTBALL
AFC Leopards Eugene Mukangula dribbles past Peter Gin of Nzoia FC during an FKF Premier league match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]
Caleb Olilo netted in the first half to inspire AFC Leopards to an important 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar FC in a tight Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Ruaraka grounds which hosted a double header on Saturday.
In Mombasa, two penalties were converted as Bandari FC rallied from a goal down to salvage a point after a 1-1 draw against Bidco United at Mbaraki Grounds.
Former Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru had given Bidco a narrow 1-0 lead from the spot in the 68th minute before William Waridi levelled the score in the 74th minute also through the penalty spot.
They have been building a team and recent results prove football has no shortcut, you have to set structures. They are developing well because the management is giving them enough support. If you get enough support off the pitch, then players for sure will perform. It will contribute positively to their Saturday game against Chiefs. I am not expecting Simba to fall, they will get a positive outcome and advance. Chiefs have been struggling badly and it will play a part in Saturday s game.
The former Gor Mahia player has further explained how current coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has positively impacted the team.
After superb dribbling, Austin Odhiambo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute but his final shot was stopped by Nzoia Sugar s Benson Mangala.
A minute late, Ingwe almost went behind after a misunderstanding at the back between the defenders and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan. However, they recovered and cleared the danger.
Odhiambo once more found a way past the Nzoia Sugar defenders but his shot went out with Mangala beaten in goal in the 17th minute. Cliff Kasuti was the first player to be booked after a rough challenge on Leopards Fabrice Mugheni.
Ochan then saved Ingwe on two occasions when Nzoia Sugar found a way into the box in quick succession at the half-hour mark. Shortly after, Elvis Rupia almost punished his former side but his shot hit the woodwork and the rebound was cleared by the recovering visitors.