Migori Youth coach Otieno confident despite recent NSL poor form
Migori Youth FC players celebrate a goal against hosts Mombasa Elite during their National Super League match played at Mbaraki Sports Club on Sunday November 19, 2023. Migori won 2-4. Photo by Mark Mutuku - Citizen Digital.
Migori Youth FC head coach Michael Otieno remains optimistic ahead of their National Super League (NSL) clash against Naivas FC in Machakos on Saturday
Despite a challenging first half of the season, Otieno believes his squad is ready to fight for crucial points.
Currently sitting 14th in the league standings with 21 points, Migori Youth will be looking to turn their fortunes around against Naivas, who occupy sixth place.
“We are well-prepared for the match. We played them in the first round, so we understand their style,” said Otieno.
Although the team has faced difficulties, Otieno is confident about their improvement.
“At the start, the players were not fully in sync, but we have worked on team cohesion. Our attacking is not yet at its best, but this is just the beginning. We have signed Ernest Oyugi, whose speed will be a great asset,” he added.
Oyugi, who rejoined the club, made his first appearance in their last match against Vihiga United. Other new additions include Paul Okoth and Jean Mahuma, who debuted in the same game. Goalkeeper John Nduati, signed from MCF, has also been included in the squad for the Naivas fixture.
Despite their struggles, Otieno remains focused on the team's ultimate goal.
“Our target was to finish at the top. While we haven't achieved that yet, we are still pushing,” he affirmed.
Captain Karunga’s Optimism
Team captain Joseph Karunga is confident ahead of the second half of the season, emphasizing the importance of consistency.
“We have no injuries at the moment, and we thank God for that. Our focus is on securing three points,” said Karunga.
He sees the second round as a new opportunity for the team to make a strong comeback.
“Winning and losing are part of football, but every match from now on will be like a final for us.”
Karunga also expressed confidence in the new signings, believing they will add quality to the squad.
“The new players bring experience, and they will help us. The coach is doing his best, and we believe anything is possible. Our goal is to finish strong and avoid relegation.”
Migori Youth and Naivas FC played to a goalless draw in their first-leg encounter, but Otieno’s side will be eager to secure maximum points this time around.
Despite a challenging first half of the season, Otieno believes his squad is ready to fight for crucial points.
Currently sitting 14th in the league standings with 21 points, Migori Youth will be looking to turn their fortunes around against Naivas, who occupy sixth place.
“We are well-prepared for the match. We played them in the first round, so we understand their style,” said Otieno.
Although the team has faced difficulties, Otieno is confident about their improvement.
“At the start, the players were not fully in sync, but we have worked on team cohesion. Our attacking is not yet at its best, but this is just the beginning. We have signed Ernest Oyugi, whose speed will be a great asset,” he added.
Oyugi, who rejoined the club, made his first appearance in their last match against Vihiga United. Other new additions include Paul Okoth and Jean Mahuma, who debuted in the same game. Goalkeeper John Nduati, signed from MCF, has also been included in the squad for the Naivas fixture.
Despite their struggles, Otieno remains focused on the team's ultimate goal.
“Our target was to finish at the top. While we haven't achieved that yet, we are still pushing,” he affirmed.
Captain Karunga’s Optimism
Team captain Joseph Karunga is confident ahead of the second half of the season, emphasizing the importance of consistency.
“We have no injuries at the moment, and we thank God for that. Our focus is on securing three points,” said Karunga.
He sees the second round as a new opportunity for the team to make a strong comeback.
“Winning and losing are part of football, but every match from now on will be like a final for us.”
Karunga also expressed confidence in the new signings, believing they will add quality to the squad.
“The new players bring experience, and they will help us. The coach is doing his best, and we believe anything is possible. Our goal is to finish strong and avoid relegation.”
Migori Youth and Naivas FC played to a goalless draw in their first-leg encounter, but Otieno’s side will be eager to secure maximum points this time around.
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