New Elite coach outlines his plan for the season

Despite starting his tenure with National Super League side Mombasa Elite, newly-appointed head coach Benedict Wanjala Simiyu has pledged turn around the club’s fortunes and ultimately, fire them automatic promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Wanjala was appointed last week to fill in the place left by Muhamed Mchulla who left the club under unclear circumstances but was handed a rude welcome as they went down 1-0 to Fortune Sacco at their turf last weekend.

Elite who formerly operated as Modern Coast Rangers headhunted the vastly experienced gaffer from the second placed APS Bomet who had to promote assistant coach Darshan Lubembe to the rank of head coach.

With the coastal side having gone for three matches without a win, Wanjala expressed optimism in guiding them back to the winning track and plotting on how they will play top flight football next season.

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Elite were deemed as promotion contenders given the way they began life in the season but just in slightly over ten rounds, they are feeling the heat.

“My first task is to inspire the club back to winning ways and then see on how we will sweep on of the automatic promotion slots. It is too early to conclude or label a certain team as prime candidate for promotion or demotion,” said the former Chemelil Sugar assistant coach.

Wanjala who is famed for helping Mwatate United to gain promotion to the second tier in the meantime blamed the club’s recent dismal run to player’s inexperience. Elite who made wholesome changes before the season began has a relatively young squad as reports indicate that the oldest player’s age stands at 22 years.

“I have watched the team play in two matches so far and I think the only challenge is lack of experience. The team is young and sometimes getting results becomes difficult especially when you come up against a team that is constituted by seasoned players. I will however instill confidence in them and make them understand that experience is not about age but making the right decisions,” he said.