Kimanzi hails Wazito after comeback to stop Bidco

Wazito FC head coach Francis Kimanzi is chuffed at the character his charges exhibited in their Sunday’s 2-1 win over stubborn Bidco United, despite conceding an early goal in the first half.

The experienced coach said resilience to the end paid, as he had to change his initial plan having started the second stanza a goal down with the FKF-PL newbies showing every intention to bag maximum points.

“I have liked the character of the team. Conceding an early goal meant changing the plan, and it worked because they (players) really executed the solutions to the so compact midfield paused by Bidco. We analysed the game after first have and told them to play from the sides because we completely had no chance in the deep midfield. It is good to see them implement the possibilities and fight to the end,” offered Kimanzi.

About quarter an hour to the break Bidco were on the lead but Kimanz’is instructions paid dividends immediately upon resumption, with former AFC Leopards defender Dennis Sikhayi scoring the leveler in the 48th.

The zeal to break Bidco, sustained to the 94th minute when another former Leopards player – Vincent Oburu struck, is what Kimanzi gave Kimanzi the smile not only for the third win in a row but results of the character he is instilling.

Kimanzi took over from Fred Ambani just before the season kickoff, and the former Harambee Stars player has been calling for patience to deliver in a club whose president Ricardo Badoer is known for little patience with managers.

After Sunday’s win, Badoer in his typical bullishness was quick to post on both his Twitter and Instagram accounts of the high expectations he is placing on the team this season.

“Damn proud of our boys!! They kept their cool and played as a team to collect their third win in a row!! Well done! We are looking great and we are on the right track…” Badoer posted on Twitter.

Arrest the game

He continued on Instagram, “Sunday is more awesome when your team gets another win and sneaks much closer to the top! Very proud of the boys today! I smell the title this year. #wazito4life.”

Anthony Akhulia, Bidco’s head coach, regretted his side’s poor management of the early stage of the second stanza.

“We should have arrested the game immediately after resumption. We paid costly for the goal they scored before we could settle, further affecting our charge in the entire second half,” said Akhulia, whose side now lies 11th with eight points from 9 matches.

Wazito on the other hand rose to fourth with 14, just four shy of KCB who are top of the table after completing eight rounds.