Bandari FC head coach Benard Mwalala has expressed strong belief that his side can secure maximum points when they face Shabana FC in Sunday’s Kenya Premier League clash at Gusii Stadium.
The Dockers enter the match following a narrow 1-0 victory over Police FC at Mbaraki, but Mwalala insists that result must now be put behind them as attention shifts to a challenging away assignment.
“We enjoyed the Police victory, but that chapter is closed,” Mwalala said. “I’ve challenged the players to stop celebrating and fully concentrate on Shabana. This is a match that demands total focus, and we are capable of getting a positive result if we give our best.”
The tactician also revealed that Bandari’s recent signings are settling in well and beginning to understand the team’s tactical demands, a development he believes will soon give him more options.
“The new players are adapting quickly and showing encouraging signs in training and matches,” he noted. “Very soon we’ll have a full squad available, which will give us the depth we need to compete consistently.”
Mwalala singled out Ivory Coast-born striker Frank Ouya for praise after his full debut against Police FC, describing his performance as a timely boost for a side currently dealing with several injury setbacks in attack.
“Ouya playing the full 90 minutes was a big positive for us,” he said. “With a number of our key forwards sidelined, his presence gives us much-needed strength going forward, and he’s already showing his value to the team.”
Bandari have reinforced their squad with four additions, including Ouya from Nairobi United, the return of goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka following a brief spell at Tusker FC, Cameroon-born midfielder Bertrand Konfor, and Herit Mungai Atariza from Mathare United.
Club CEO Tony Kibwana believes the reinforcements signal Bandari’s intent to push higher up the table.
“We’ve brought in players with quality and character,” Kibwana said. “The team is now well-equipped, and our goal is to take Bandari FC to where it truly belongs in the Kenya Premier League.”
Sunday’s fixture carries extra significance, with Mwalala and Bandari goal scorer Darius Msagha set to return to Gusii Stadium as opponents after serving Shabana FC last season.
Bandari are seventh in the KPL table with 27 points, with Shabana just one point ahead in third place.