Mwalala reveals Bandari's major concern ahead of Mozzart Bet Cup playoff encounter
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.06.26. | 11:07
The CAF B licensed tactician expressed concern with the fitness level of their experienced winger ahead of the game
Bandari FC head coach, Bernard Mwalala, has challenged his players to finish the season on a high by securing third place in the Mozzart Bet Cup when they face KCB FC in Sunday's playoff match at Kwale Stadium.
The Dockers saw their hopes of reaching the final and earning a shot at CAF Confederation Cup football dashed after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Kenya Police FC in the semifinals.
KCB also fell at the same stage, losing to Tusker FC on penalties after both matches ended goalless in regulation time.
With a place on the podium now the best possible outcome for either side, Sunday's playoff carries significant financial incentives.
The winner will walk away with Ksh1.5 million in prize money, while the fourth-placed team will receive Ksh1 million.
Mwalala, whose side has endured a challenging FKF Premier League campaign, believes winning bronze would provide a fitting conclusion to a difficult season and offer a platform to build on ahead of the next campaign.
“We have to dust ourselves off after a not-so-good run in the league and focus on winning bronze in the Mozzart Bet Cup,” said Mwalala.
“The truth is that the season has not been good for us. We have gone through some difficult moments in the league, and the best way to end it would be by securing third place in the Cup. After that, we can recharge, regroup and come back stronger next season.”
The former Harambee Stars international revealed that the squad has already held discussions about the importance of the match and expects his players to show character and determination when they take to the pitch.
“We have talked as a team and agreed that it is important to win on Sunday. It is important for both the club and the players to finish what has been a difficult season on a positive note,” he said.
“We are going to fight, leave everything on the pitch and hopefully by the end of the 90 minutes we will have something to smile about. There is no other option for us. We simply have to fight.”
On the injury front, Mwalala reported a largely healthy squad, with only winger Darius Msagha remaining a concern ahead of the clash.
“We have almost all the players available for the game, so our focus is now on preparing well during the week. The only concern is Msagha, who is carrying an injury, but we will continue monitoring him and see how he progresses. Hopefully, he can be available for the match,” he said.
“Otherwise, I expect healthy competition and a strong fighting spirit from the players throughout the week. I want them to give me a selection headache.”
The third-place playoff is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, before the tournament final takes centre stage at 3 pm..
