Bandari FC coach Ken Odhiambo expresses satisfaction with squad ahead of new season

New Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo has expressed his satisfaction with the squad as they prepare for the upcoming FKF Premier League season, which kicks off on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Bandari will begin their season away to Posta Rangers in a match scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The match will kick off at 1:00 pm, and Bandari will be aiming to improve their performance against the Mailmen, who took four points from them last season. Last season, the Dockers were held to a 0-0 draw at home in the second leg after losing 2-0 away in the first leg.

Odhiambo, who was unveiled as the Dockers’ new coach on July 18, 2024, stated that his team’s preparations for the new season have hit top gear. However, he promised that the team would continue to improve as the season progresses.

“Our pre-season preparations have reached their peak stage, but I still expect more from my players. I am confident that by the fifth round of matches, people will see a much-improved Bandari side,” Odhiambo said. He added that he hopes his players remain mentally and physically strong throughout the season.

Odhiambo also cautioned the club’s fans against placing too much pressure on the youthful players in the squad.

“Fans should not have high expectations of young players. They still need time to develop. Having worked with young players before, I will manage their playing time carefully so that they can develop steadily and eventually become complete players,” he said.

On the topic of new signings, Odhiambo revealed that the club's recruitment focused on replacing key players who left the team.

“Our recruitment has been about filling the gaps in our goalkeeping, defense, and striking departments. We lost key personnel in those areas, and we had to bring in worthy replacements. We are now working on getting the team to gel, as the new players need to integrate with those who were at the club last season,” Odhiambo said. He also confirmed that the club would not be signing any more players until the January transfer window.

“Our signings are meant to help us achieve both our short-term and long-term goals. We have signed three experienced players and three young players. We believe in blending youth with experience, as it gives us a chance to build the team gradually. The experienced players will be crucial in helping us meet our immediate objectives, while the young players will be valuable in the future,” Odhiambo explained.

Despite Bandari's 2-1 victory over Talanta in their final match of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season, that final day win was their only victory in their last 10 league games. Bandari had looked like title contenders before that nine-match winless streak, during which they collected just six points from six draws and suffered three losses. As a result, they slumped to a fourth-place finish with 52 points, eight points fewer than they managed the previous season when they finished sixth.

Odhiambo is now tasked with ensuring that the players remain focused throughout the season as they aim to finish in a higher position with more points.

With reigning league champions Gor Mahia and defending FKF Cup champions Kenya Police featuring in CAF competitions over the weekend, the Posta Rangers-Bandari match will be one of the key fixtures on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 FKF Premier League season.

The full Round 1 fixtures are as follows:

Saturday, August 24, 2024

• KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks | 1:00 pm | Police Sacco Stadium, Nairobi
• Posta Rangers vs Bandari | 1:00 pm | Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
• Mathare United vs AFC Leopards | 3:00 pm | Dandora Stadium, Nairobi
• Tusker vs Sofapaka | 4:00 pm | Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos

Sunday, August 25, 2024

• Ulinzi Stars vs Muranga Seal | 3:00 pm | Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi
• Bidco United vs Shabana | 3:00 pm | Thika Stadium, Thika
• Mara Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz | 3:00 pm | Awendo Green Stadium, Migori