International break a much-needed breather for Murang’a SEAL - Coach Abdallah

Murang'a SEAL coach Juma Abdallah has welcomed the FIFA international break as a much-needed breather for the team.

According to Abdallah, his charges are fatigued following the recent high intensity matches in the FKF Premier League.

The veteran tactician said this was evident when the Murang'a based-side locked horns with Ulinzi Stars in a league match on Monday at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after his side played to a 1-1 with Ulinzi Stars, the tactician said his boys were struggling to maintain the pace of the game, which he attributed to fatigue.

“This is our debut in the top tier League and I feel my players are tired after playing hard matches back to back,” said Abdallah.

“I saw my players dragging their feet especially in the last 20 minutes, I have been in this game for long and I can tell my boys are fatigued,” he added.

The former Bandari and Sofapaka coach admits that the upcoming one-week FIFA international break, will give his players a brief-breather after the tough fixtures in the recent weeks.

“We started by facing Gor Mahia, Tusker, Kariobangi Sharks and today we have played Ulinzi Stars, another formidable side," he noted.

Though he congratulated his charges for getting a point away from home, he said his team could have defended their lead, after leading in the 57th minute through forward Joe Waithira’s goal. The lead was however cancelled 15 minutes later by former Tusker talisman Boniface Muchiri.

“Had we collected the three points, it would have been a morale booster as we head towards the end of the season, however, we will get back to the drawing board and work on protecting lead," said Abdallah.

Under the tutelage of Abdallah, who took over in January, SEAL have won three matches, drawn three and lost twice. Before he joined, the team had endured 11 winless matches, but four months later, he said he has been impressed by his boys who are now playing according to his preferred style.

“I joined the team after 23 matches and the team had not performed well. I found players whose spirit was at the lowest point, but eventually, I am happy we overcame and now my boys are in high spirits and this has helped us turn around the results,” he said.

SEAL face Kenya Police FC in their next fixture on June 16, 2024, before they take on Kakamega Homeboyz away three days later, and end the season at home to Shabana on June 23, 2024. 

Abdallah, who also coached Vihiga Bullets, said their last match against Shabana will rekindle their rivalry while playing in NSL last season, but promised to strive and beat their fiercest rivals at home with the aim of sealing a top-ten finish.

Currently, SEAL occupy the 12th position on the log with 37 points after 31 rounds of matches, just six points from relegation.