Bandari eye maximum points against Mara Sugar as FKF-PL resumes

Bandari played out an opening day 1-1 draw with Posta Rangers away in Machakos on August 24 as Mara Sugar began their life in the topflight football with a 3-0 rout against Kakamega Homeboyz.

Fresh from guiding Harambee Stars to their 2-1 win against Namibia in Afcon qualifiers in his capacity as the national team’s assistant coach, Odhimbo is keen to guide Bandari to their first win of the season on their home turf.

“First I thank my assistant (John) Baraza and all other coaches for conducting training sessions for the boys, we were in touch and I was sending daily guidelines from South Africa. Today I have seen everything is on point and we are ready to get maximum points and focus for the next task.”

“Apart from the win, I also want fans to enjoy the match. If fans aren't enjoying our style of play there is no reason for us to get a win, we must stamp our authority,” added Odhiambo.

Odhiambo says he has most of the players fit for selection.

"Only two players will be missing in our team, Ali (Hamisi) and Robert (Wanyama) who is now recovering well after a successful surgery.”

The Dockers announced the acquisition of nine new players as the club bids to win their first ever league title.

James Omusinde and Alfred Emoni were signed from FC Talanta while playmaker John Macharia crossed from champions Gor Mahia.

Izzadin Juma, William Gitama and Mohammed Abdulrhaman were promoted from Bandari Youth while Geoffrey Ojunga joined from Posta Rangers, Shariff Amubwombe from Mombasa Elite and Hamisi Abdala from Division One side Kenya Navy.

They also released big guns like Francis Kahiro, who went back to KCB same as winger James Kinyanjui, Amai Atariza joined Shabana FC, James Ochuka to Tusker FC, Boniface Mwangemi to Posta Rangers, Derrick Nsibambi  to KCCA of Uganda.

Bandari FC also sent Dennis Magige and goalkeeper Sheikh Aleley on loan to Mombasa United and released Umaru Kasumba and Swaleh Chacha.

Elsewhere, former champions Tusker FC will aim for two wins after two matches when they play Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium on Saturday.

The Brewers defeated Sofapaka 1-0 in the opening fixture with Chrispine Erambo scoring the all-important goal at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

City Stars will open their season on Saturday at Dandora Stadium against Bidco United. Stars were not in action in the first round as they were scheduled to play Police FC who were engaged in the continental assignments.

Following a 4-0 rout against Mathare United in the first match, AFC Leopards will target another triumph against Posta Rangers at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.

Champions Gor Mahia and Police FC will once again play no part as they will be in action in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Gor host reigning champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the second preliminary round at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday from 3pm while Police FC entertain another Egyptian side Zamalek on Saturday at the same venue.