Bandari FC coach Charles Okere aiming for KPL title ahead of new season

Bandari FC head coach Charles Okere says his side is fully prepared for the new Kenya Premier League season, with the Dockers set to open their campaign against AFC Leopards this weekend.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after Bandari’s final pre-season friendly, Okere said preparations had gone well, with the team avoiding major injury setbacks. He praised his players for their commitment and believes they are ready for the league campaign.

“All players are up and fit and the important thing is that we are ready for AFC this weekend. I’m happy the team management gave us enough time for pre-season and I’m sure we will have a good season,” said Okere.

However, the coach expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the start of the new season, saying the ongoing legal dispute has affected preparations across the league.

“We know that we have our first match of the new season this weekend. We are just waiting for the court verdict, but the push and pull which has been going on is not healthy for our football. All KPL teams are ready for the new season, so keeping them waiting for long is affecting many things,” he added.

Okere, who will be assisted by Elvis Ayany, has set his sights on ending Bandari’s trophy drought. He took over from Bernard Mwalala, who left the club to join AFC Leopards as an assistant coach.

“Bandari FC has not been winning trophies, and our hope and prayer is to get the team back where it deserves to be and win trophies. Bandari is a big team, and now I believe we have the best squad to fight for trophies, more so the KPL trophy,” Okere said.

Bandari wrapped up their pre-season preparations in style with a 5-2 victory over Dola Select at Mbaraki Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Dola Select is a 25-player squad assembled after the conclusion of the Sisi Ni Dola Tournament earlier this month. The team has since played a series of friendly matches in Nairobi, drawing 2-2 with 3K FC, losing 3-2 to South C Rangers and suffering a 3-1 defeat to AFC Leopards.

Dola Group Sports Director Hassan Kipapa said the tournament achieved its objective, with several players attracting interest from clubs.

“The tournament was a success, and I’m happy some of our players have been spotted by Nairobi teams. That was our plan, to grow grassroots football. Next season it will be bigger, and we are looking at having more counties participate,” said Kipapa.