Mara Sugar coach on half-time pep talk that salvaged a point against Sofapaka

Mara Sugar FC head coach Benedict Wanjala has revealed his half-time pep talk to his players that made them salvage a point against Sofapaka.

The FKF Premier League newbies were away to Sofapaka in a league match played on Saturday, 1 March at the Dandora Stadium, with the match ending in a 1-1 stalemate.

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Batoto ba Mungu took the lead in the 45th minute through on-form Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, but the visitors fought hard, and their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Joseph Okwenda scored the equalizer.

Speaking to Azam TV after the game, Wanjala shared the details of his half-time message to his players that led to a draw.

“In the first half, we had chances but were largely scared and uncomfortable in front of goal. At half time, I asked them to keep trying and that changed in the second half leading to our equalizer,” said Wanjala.

The tactician admitted that the team is also suffering from the inexperience of a majority of their players in top-flight football.

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“My boys are young and largely inexperienced in the league, but I am happy we have started collecting away points, and I am sure of an away win very soon,” he added.

Wanjala, who led the Sugar Millers from the National Super League (NSL) to the FKF Premier League, also highlighted his forward line as the weakest part of his squad currently.

“We will keep working on the forward line. We are creating many chances, but hurrying them has been an issue.”

Wanjala also took time to praise Joseph Okwenda, a defender who took responsibility and scored the match's equalizer.

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“I want to thank my defender Okwenda, who has been scoring crucial goals whenever we needed it. He once again delivered,” he noted.

Next up for Mara Sugar is the Mozzart Bet Cup tie against Kenyan giants AFC Leopards on Saturday, 8 March at Mamboleo Stadium, Kisumu.