Mulinge urges Ulinzi to unleash attacking 'DNA' in KPL survival fight

Ulinzi have endured an inconsistent campaign marked by a series of managerial changes due to a spate of poor results, with the soldiers facing the relegation threat for the first time since their promotion to the top-flight league in 1998.

Former coaches Dunstan Nyaudo and the 2010 title-winning captain Steve Ochola were both dismissed following poor results as the club struggled for consistency throughout the season.

Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to title-chasing AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium left Ulinzi rooted in the relegation zone in 16th place with 32 points, one behind 15th-placed Kariobangi Sharks, with only three rounds remaining.

Despite the threat of a drop into the second-tier National Super League (NSL), Ndeto is convinced the soldiers have the quality to stay up.

“Despite having a young squad, I know we are up to the task. We are heading back to the drawing board to strategise for these matches, starting with the Tusker game. I want our boys to believe we can survive this scare,” he said.

He further urged his players to go flat out for victory in their final three matches if they are to avoid the drop.

“We must try our level best because we do not have time to dwell on our current position. It is now up to the players to do what is necessary if they still want to maintain our top-flight status.

“My job is to prepare them and boost their morale. Ulinzi Stars is too big a club for the lower division. I believe survival is possible because this is football and anything can happen,” he added.

Ulinzi head into the season run-in on poor form, having managed just two wins, one draw and three defeats in their last six outings.

“We have a very young squad that is bound to make mistakes, and that is why we lost today’s match. Leopards’ experience won them the game. All we need now is to forget this match as quickly as possible and focus on the next three finals.”

The 2010 champions face a daunting run-in as the season enters homestretch, where they next take on seventh-placed Tusker FC before crucial relegation clashes against Mathare United and Posta Rangers on the final day of the season.

Mathare United and Posta Rangers are also fighting to avoid relegation, separated from the drop zone by only three and two points, respectively.