Injury crisis rocks Ulinzi Stars ahead of Nzoia Sugar showdown

Ulinzi Stars coach, Benjamin Nyangweso is worried over the increasing list of injuries in his backline ahead of Friday’s league match against Nzoia Sugar FC; a match that will be played at the Narok County Stadium.

Ahead of the crunch match, youngster Alex Masinde is the only fully fit central defender available for selection. Bonaventure Khasabuli is sidelined and so George Odhiambo. Boniface Andayi, who had featured in each and every minute this campaign was taken off in the second half against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday following a clash with Erick Kapaito, the extend of the injury is yet to be determined.

Nyangweso is worried over his options at the back but hopes that Andayi’s injury will not keep him out for long. He also disclosed that left-back Harun Mwale played through a stubborn groin issue against Kariobangi Sharks.

“I do not know the extent of Andayi’s injury but I hope it’s nothing too serious. Because right now we do not have Muchika (Bonaventure), George (Odhiambo) and so I hope that the injury is not so bad because we will a crisis in our central defense area. Mwale too has a groin injury that he struggled with throughout the game and these injuries in our backline are worrying,” Nyangweso said.

When Andayi went off injured, midfielder Bernard Ongoma had to drop back and partnered Masinde at the heart of the defense for half an hour. Should Andayi fail to shake off the injury before Friday, then Ongoma may once again be forced to play in unfamiliar territory and this time he will face pacier Nzoia forwards led by new signing Hillary Simiyu who caused AFC Leopards problems in the first game after football resumed and also found the back of the net against Mathare United last Sunday.

Ulinzi downed Sharks 2-0 courtesy of goals from Masita Masuta and Clinton Omondi, they will be keen on making it two in a row for the first time this season when they take on an equally determined Nzoia Sugar FC side.