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Bandari keen to improve leaking defence ahead of Confederation Cup tie

Thursday, August 8th, 2019 00:00 | By
Bandari FC players take a water break during their training session at Jamhuri High School, Nairobi yesterday. Photo/PHILIP KAMAKYA

The decision by Bandari FC to enlist the services of ex-international Ibrahim Shikanda as the deputy coach was to help invigorate the team’s defence.

Speaking during a training session at Jamhuri High School ground yesterday ahead of Bandari’s CAF Confederation Cup match against Sudan’s A Ahly Shandy at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, the team’s Chief Executive Officer Edward Oduor said the defence had been leaking, hence the latest development.

“Bandari have of late been conceding easy goals and we deemed it fit to bring Shikanda on board to assist head coach Bernard Mwalala to plug the holes.

Shikanda has previously handled top notch sides like Azam of Tanzania besides the fact that he is a former dependable defender with national team Harambee Stars,” explained Oduor.

Meanwhile, Mwalala said the team will rely on the support of fans in Nairobi as well as those who will travel from Mombasa as he plots the downfall of Al Shandy to proceed to the next round.

“For us, the 12th man will be vital. They will give players the right fortitude moving forward. Right now, I cannot figure out the insight of Al Shandy and we are also unknown quantities to them which makes the match tricky,” said Mwalala.

He added: “If we can conjure up a healthy lead in Nairobi, it will make our work easier in the return match in Khartoum. I must also point out that the 10-day pre-season camp in South Africa as well as participation in the Cecafa Kagame Cup in Rwanda gave the team great exposure.”

“Beating a team like Cape Town City which emerged fourth in the South African league coupled with the fact that the team did not lose a single match in the regional championships gave the players a lot of confidence and I hope they will apply what they learned out there,” observed Mwalala.

The team’s vital cog in defence Felly Mulumba echoed Mwalala’s earlier plea for fans to fill up the stadium and spur Kenya’s representatives to victory given the entry fee has been pegged at Sh100.

“Fan support can make a lot of difference and despite Bandari having their roots in Mombasa, it will be a big morale booster for us if fans in Nairobi fill up the stadium,” said Mulumba.

Utility striker Benjamin Mosha also expects home ground advantage to count much for them and said the team has trained well with all players having a winning mentality.

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