FKFPL Preview: Can Bandari challenge the status quo to lift maiden league title?
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Reading Time: 5min | Fri. 23.08.24. | 22:00
In their 39 years of existence, the Dockers have only one major trophy to show after winning the Mozzart Bet Cup back in 2019
Could this be the year that Bandari FC mounts a serious title charge that could see them land their first-ever league title since their inception in 1985?
The club is arguably one of the most heavily backed teams in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) financially and it's high time they start delivering results on the pitch.
In their 39 years of existence, the Dockers have only one major trophy to show after winning the Mozzart Bet Cup back in 2019.
Last season’s finish
The previous campaign marked a familiar script for Bandari as they had to relieve Twahir Muhiddin, who has become “Mr fix it”, of his duties following a string of poor results.
Former Kenya international John Baraza was trusted with the reins and posted a strong end to the campaign that saw them finish fourth with 52 points.
This was a massive 21 points behind champions Gor Mahia, meaning that the team has its work cut out to plug the huge gap.
Predicted finish
As is the case with previous seasons, Bandari will be expected to challenge for the title at one point in the season but the hope this time is that they can go all the way.
With two experienced coaches at the helm of the club, they will be well aware of expectations from the club’s hierarchy to land the elusive title.
A third-place finish and a late run into the Mozzart Bet Cup will mark a successful season for the Dockers with their opponents Tusker and Gor Mahia having galvanised their squad.
Interview
The newly appointed head coach Ken Odhiambo issued an update on the preparedness of the club ahead of the new season, confirming that they have closed shop in their transfer business.
“I'm impressed with most of the boys and I'm sure by the time we play the fifth game, people will see a different Bandari FC.
Our youngsters have potential but it needs time, I have dealt with young boys and I know when to give them time. Fans might expect them to immediately play but these ones need time.
We have only replaced those who left like in the goalkeeping and striking department. We have closed our transfer business, where we have combined youth and experience,” said Odhiambo in an interview with the club.
Transfer ins
James Omusinde, Brian Opiyo, Geoffrey Ojunga
Transfer outs
James Ochuka, James Kinyanjui, Abdallah Hassan
Talisman
With the departure of Abdalla Hassan who was the undisputed poster boy of the club, there are a number of heirs jostling for his crown.
Bryne Odhiambo who has made a number of appearances for Harambee Stars is one of the front runners to Abdalla’s throne despite being a goalkeeper.
Fidel Origa is one of the fan favourites with his consistent top performances that have ensured Bandari always finishes in the top four.
Young talent
There were eyebrows raised when Engin Firat called up a relatively unknown name in the shape of David Sakwa for the Malawi Four Nations Tournament.
Although he did not make the final squad, the 22-year-old will be one to watch in the coming season as he hopes to maintain the trust of Firat.
Having been promoted from the youth ranks, William Gitamu will be eager to impress after enjoying a brilliant year thus far.
He emerged as the top scorer in the Talanta Hela team that travelled to Spain with his short resume including a Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Chapa Dimba Coast region tournament and also being named in the CECAFA Under 20 provisional squad.
Head coach
With former head coach John Baraza lacking the necessary papers to be on the touchline as the head coach, Bandari turned to another former tactician Ken Odhiambo.
Baraza was relegated to assistant duties as he is a holder of the CAF B license which only allows him to be an assistant in the Premier League.
This will be the third time Ken is taking over Bandari having had two separate stints at the club sandwiched between Bernard Mwalala’s reign.
Odhiambo who also doubles up as one of Engin Firat’s assistants comes in with vast experience that will hopefully come in handy for Bandari.
First five fixtures
Bandari start the season on the road against one of their favourite customers, Posta Rangers who have only beaten the Dockers four times in their last 20 meetings.
Their first home game of the season will be against newly promoted Mara Sugar in Match Day Two, with this being their first meeting in the league.
They will then welcome record league champions Gor Mahia, a venue which K’Ogalo has struggled in recent seasons, winning just seven of their 14 matches at Mbaraki Stadium.
The Dockers will be on the road again to face Sofapaka, who survived relegation by the skin of their teeth after winning the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs against Naivas FC.
Ken's charges will then host Murang’a Seal, a team that Bandari enjoys a 100% record against, having beaten them both home and away last season.
Potential challenges
With Bandari being the only FKF Premier League club from the coast region, they will be forced to travel vast distances for all their away games.
The closest away game they play is in Nairobi presenting a logistical challenge but in recent seasons the club has adopted air and rail transport cutting the time and fatigue on players.
Another potential challenge at Bandari in the coming season is the presence of two experienced coaches on their bench.
This could work in their favour but judging from what has happened at the club in recent seasons where the assistant has taken over it could be an Achilles heel for them.
There is also the case of auctioneers reportedly threatening to auction movable assets in a bid to settle dues owed to Daniel Mshamba, Wilson Obungu Oburu, David King’atua, and Kenneth Onyach who were unlawfully dismissed back in 2023.
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