Bandari FC plan mid-season signings to strengthen squad amid struggles

This move comes after a mixed start to the season, with the team currently sitting in 7th place on the Kenya Premier League table with 22 points from 15 matches.

The Dockers have been struggling lately, failing to win any of their last five KPL games.

The team, under head coach Ken Odhiambo, has drawn three of those five matches—two at home against KCB and Mathare United at Ukunda Showground, and one away at Ulinzi Stars.

Bandari FC also suffered defeats to AFC Leopards and, most recently, to league leaders Tusker FC on Wednesday.

Odhiambo attributed the team’s recent struggles to injuries that have affected key players, forcing them to experiment with new tactics and playing styles.

"We started the league well, but injuries, particularly in our defence and midfield, have kept us from returning to our best form. However, I’m confident we will bounce back soon," he said.

Regarding the planned signings, Odhiambo clarified that the club will focus on replacing players whose contracts have expired and are unwilling to renew.

"There are players whose contracts have ended, and we’ll prioritize convincing them to renew. However, there may be one or two players we can’t agree with, and those will be the ones we replace. The mid-season window is not ideal for making several changes," he explained.

The plan is to reinforce the squad at a time when three players from the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup Select—Jamhuri Bahatisha, Ali Alafu, and Joseph Chigamba—have been training with Bandari FC for over two weeks. Odhiambo expressed satisfaction with their performances, particularly with striker Ali Alafu.

"They are all impressive, and Ali Alafu is doing great. By the end of next week, we’ll decide based on the number of players we have in camp. We’re allowed to have 30 players, and we also have young talents like Bilal Atano, who is now ready to be included in the team," said the coach.

Bandari FC will return to action this Sunday, hosting Shabana FC in an early kickoff at the newly renovated Mbaraki Stadium.