Posta to lean on lessons from last weekend's defeat in Bandari duel

Days after being brought back to earth following a 3-1 defeat to FC Talanta at the Ruaraka Grounds, Posta Rangers know that “going back to the basics” will be key ahead of a match against arguably the toughest opponent they’ve faced so far this season in Bandari FC at the Kasarani Annex on Saturday afternoon.

After breaking out to an unbeaten start to the season - five wins and a draw in the opening six matches - John Kamau’s side succumbed to their first loss this term in disappointing fashion.

An early error from keeper Samuel Njau led to Talanta’s opening goal before Posta’s skipper Kennedy Odhiambo conceded a penalty - which was converted by Alex Juma- and scored a late own goal.

Looking back at those errors, Kamau believes the ‘little things’ will now matter for the team that still occupies top position on the FKF Premier League log with 16 points and one ahead of defending champions Gor Mahia.

“The defeat was a wake up call for us to go back to the basics,” Kamau said, referring to last week’s defeat as a “reminder” and as a “relief.”

“The first and third goals we conceded were from us giving away loose balls inside our own 18 yard box. Credit to the opponents because they pressed us to making mistakes but it wasn’t a good look. These are all things we should clear up.”

Asked about his biggest concern heading to the Bandari game, Kamau said: “How to get out of this situation and get back to a normal state where we are able to handle things in the right way.”

The same sentiments were voiced by Odhiambo, the team’s starting center back, who asked his team to take the set-back as a “learning process”, while also warning against making it back to back defeats.

Injury-plagued Gor Mahia pumped up ahead of busy week

“The message is all about keeping our heads up,” he said. “It's one thing to lose and lie down, and the other to fight and come back. Looking down will be a disaster for us and so keeping the fighting spirit is key for us against Bandari, which being at home will be an added bonus for us.”

Should Posta win, they will extend their stay on top of the table for a couple of days before traveling out to face Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday 1 November.

FKF Premier League Matchday Eight

Saturday, October 28th

3PM-Kenya Police FC vs. FC Talanta

3PM-Gor Mahia vs. Bidco United FC

3PM-Sofapaka FC vs. Tusker FC

4PM-Muhoroni Youth FC vs. Murang'a Seal FC

3PM-Posta Rangers FC vs. Bandari Football Club

Sunday, October 29th

4PM-Nzoia Sugar FC vs. AFC Leopards SC

1PM-Nairobi City Stars FC vs. KCB FC

3PM-Ulinzi Stars FC vs. Shabana FC

3:15PM-Kariobangi Sharks FC vs. Kakamega Homeboyz FC