Bandari target winning start against AFC Leopards as title ambitions grow

Bandari FC head coach Charles Okere says his side is ready to launch its FKF Premier League campaign on a winning note when they face AFC Leopards in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Speaking during a media briefing at Mbaraki Sports Ground, Mombasa, Okere said the Dockers had enjoyed a productive pre-season and were targeting a strong campaign as they seek to challenge for the league title.

“We have had a good pre-season, and the players are well prepared for our opening match against AFC Leopards. Our target this season is to compete for the league title, and we are ready for the challenge,” said Okere.

Bandari finished 12th in last season’s standings, while AFC Leopards placed second. Despite the quality of their opponents, Okere believes his team has a clear tactical plan and is determined to make a positive start.

“They are a strong team to play against, but we have a plan. Since this is our first match of the season, it means a lot in determining how our campaign will shape up,” he added.

The Dockers could, however, be without goalkeeper Alain Ngeleka and forward Beja Nyamawi, who have been affected by injury and illness, respectively.

Team doctor Abdalla Kadege said their availability would depend on further assessments, adding that a bout of the common cold had also affected several players.

“We have had an outbreak of what is commonly known as the common cold, which has affected some of our players. Some are recovering, while others are still unavailable,” said Kadege.

Bandari have strengthened their attacking options with the return of Nyamawi, who missed part of last season through injury, alongside the signings of Lawrence Okoth, Ugandan striker Derrick Nsibambi and Alex Kipruto.

Winger Abdalla Hassan says the squad is motivated to collect maximum points against Ingwe, citing the teams’ previous head-to-head record as a source of confidence.

“We are ready to fight for a win. If you look at our head-to-head record, we have done better, and this time around, we are going in strongly,” said Hassan.

Bandari struggled for consistency in front of goal last season, recording 17 draws and finishing with a zero goal difference. Hassan believes the new attacking additions, together with Nyamawi’s return, will help the team become more clinical.

“Beja is back with the team, and with the inclusion of Nsibambi and Okoth, I am sure our partnership up front will help us score more goals going forward,” he added.

The clash against AFC Leopards will provide an early test of Bandari’s title ambitions as Okere seeks to turn the team’s pre-season progress into results on the pitch.