Injury-ravaged Bandari FC prowl market for striker

Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo says the Coast-based Kenyan Premier League side has been struggling with goal-scoring in their last six matches, resulting in dropped points.

Commenting on the team's playing style, Odhiambo noted that the issue lies in the striking department, which is ‘demoralizing for the team’, when they miss ‘clear opportunities’.

"We just need a striker—someone who can score goals, whether short or tall, as long as they can find the back of the net. Our biggest problem is scoring,” he explained. “Everyone will focus on the scoreline, not how we played," he said.

With struggles in front of goal,  Beja Nyamawi has in the meantime emerged as the team’ s marksman, managing six goals.

Bandari FC lost their previous season's top scorer, Derrick Nsibambi, to a Ugandan club, leaving Nyamawi and Alvin Ngoto to lead the attack.

Ali Alafu, a former player in the National Super League, with Mombasa Stars, is currently turning out for with Division One side Congo Boyz, and is expected to join the squad during the mid-season transfer window after weeks of training with the team.

"Alafu has shown potential in our training sessions, but we’ll see how things unfold soon," Coach Ken added.

Bandari FC fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Shabana FC on Sunday at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa. Coach Ken mentioned that injuries to key players have been a major challenge.

"We currently have six injured players, which is affecting the entire squad. Our defense has been hit the hardest with captain Andrew Juma and Edward Satulo out, and now our goalkeeper Bryne Omondi is also injured."

Seventh-placed Bandari FC, who are set to face Police FCon Wednesday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, are without a win in their last six league matches, having drawn four and lost two.