City Stars ready for premier league kick-off, declares Muyoti
After playing five games and making it all the way to the final of the recently concluded Elite pre-season Cup, head coach Nicholas Muyoti (pictured) now reckons that Simba wa Nairobi are as good as ready for the upcoming 2022-23 FKF Premier League.
During the inaugural tournament, Muyoti tweaked his line-up and formations severally as the team rose from group ‘B’ as the runners-up to make the semi-finals and ultimately the final.
In sum, Muyoti tested 24 players in the two-weak tournament save for stopper Edwin Buliba and striker Pius Omachi who were both nursing injuries.
“Indeed we had so much to learn and picked very good pointers for the upcoming season. Now we have a very clear picture of the team apart from the few players who didn’t participate in the tournament,” he said
After the final played on October 1, Muyoti handed his troops a three-day break to recuperate before the resumption of training.
“After the rest we will go back to the drawing board to fix a few issues and we will be ready before the season starts.” added the coach
In the tournament, City Stars drew 1-1 with Police, and beat MCF 4-1 before tying Ulinzi Stars 2-2.
In the last four, the team drew hosts Kariobangi Sharks 2-2 before carrying the day with a 3-2 win in post-match penalties. The team ended up with Silver after falling 2-0 to Police in the final. Meanwhile, Lunga were held to a 1-1 draw by Esigwata Riverside in the Mt of Hope Charity Cup played at Lunga Primary School grounds on Saturday.
Visiting Riverside stunned the hosts when they took the lead in the 61st minute through Melzedec Brian following a low cross from Gift Khaseke who had beaten three defenders before laying a perfect pass for Brian to find the back of the net. Brian who was a hero for providing a sublime pass turned villain when he was sent off by Division One referee, Duncan Omondi for abusive language. With Riverside looking set to clinch the match, Lunga fought back gallantly to grab an equalizer with four minutes to the end of the match through Barasa Brian after beating Riverside goalkeeper, Isaac Richard with a volley into an empty net.
The match attracted many spectators graced by Phylis Bwire who led a team from the sponsors accompanied FKF Matayo South Coordinator, Paul Ngota.
Matches Continue next week with Muyafwa All
Stars hosting Matayos Legends on Saturday as Murende Highlanders travel to Mabunge United on Sunday.
The Charity Cup has attracted 12 teams. They include Blackstar, Mabunge, Rising, Uprising, Lunga, Riverside, Muyafwa, Lwanya, Murende, Labour, Nasewa and Muungano.
