TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Sharks' possession based approach will be stifled by Bandari
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 20.09.25. | 08:10
In this tactical analysis piece we look out to understand how both teams will look to set up and who holds the major cards to triumph
FKF Premier League returns with Kariobangi Sharks hosting Bandari FC at the Kasarani Annex.
In this tactical analysis piece, we look to understand how both teams will look to set up and who holds the major cards to triumph.
It is set to be an intriguing tactical battle between the two coaches, with the Sharks under decorated Coach William Muluya and Dockers' Ken Odhiambo.
Both tacticians acted as assistant coaches in the National team under coach Engin Firat.
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How Sharks play
Concerning their pre-season and principles as a whole, Sharks look to play a heavy possession-based style of play. They had a total of 13,223 passes over 30 coded games last season, which made them the highest passers in the league.
If their pre-season matches are anything to go by, they are set to stick to their philosophy.
Coach Muluya's men set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation on paper.
Their in-game structures vary depending on the phase of play.
In build-up, Sharks look to use a 3-2 base to build up, with heavy emphasis on central progression, with the double pivot looking to be accessed and the main outlets in the first phase.
In the progression phase, the left back mainly looks to stay back, forming the nominal three at the back with two central midfielders. This forms their rest defense.
The right back looks to push up with the right winger moving into the halfspace.
This aids in creating a box midfield, gaining numerical superiority at the centre of the pack.
The left winger then hugs the touchline, providing width on the left as the striker looks to pin the opposition centre-backs.
The centre forward is also ready to make runs in behind or into the channels.
Out of possession, Sharks have morphed into a 4-4-2 midblock side, looking to be very compact.
The main aim is to deny central penetration and funnel the opponent into wide areas where they can look to pounce.
Looking to crowd out the opponent while using the touchline as the extra defender.
Sharks have also improved well in their counterpress, looking to win the ball back immediately after they lose the ball.
What will be interesting for Sharks this season is the ability to employ wide overloads, too.
A system upgrade that will make them less predictable.
Known for their smart recruitment of young talent, Sharks have mixed things up this season with the recruitment of experienced players too.
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The return of Patillah Omotto will be the main catalyst for a good season.
The midfielder will help Sharks in complex build-up scenarios and will also help cover the backline.
Patillah, also known as 'Tillah', will link up in midfield alongside teenage sensation Andreas Odhiambo, also known as 'Tillah' by his peers.
The recruitment of James Mwangi, who will look to regain his form and get back in the conversation as one of the best attacking midfielders in the country.
The experienced attacker will angle for positions alongside Humphrey Aroko and Victor Ngume.
Mwangi will provide the runs in behind that Sharks lacked and the much-needed experience.
Muluya, known for churning out top scorers, has gone for Naivas man, Marvivian Wekesa, to lead his attack.
Wekesa has had a good return in pre-season scoring against Gambia and Nairobi United.
Bandari have been busy in pre-season revamping the technical team, but keeping the head coach and assistant.
They have also brought in some key players who could be the defining factor.
Having played a high-profile friendly match against African giants Yanga, Bandari will have picked up valuable lessons.
Bandari last season placed heavy reliance on playing in a 4-4-2 diamond formation.
Their friendly with Yanga, however, saw them shift into a more nominal 4-4-2.
What was interesting in the Yanga match was Bandari's build-up employing a 4-2-4.
The Dockers look to use their goalkeeper Allan Ngeleka as the extra player in build-up.
Ngeleka, who has pinpoint distribution, looked to play kicks to open formation.
Coach Odhiambo also seems to focus on constant switches of play from the centre backs to the opposite side, looking to destabilize the opponent's block.
The use of a striker dropping to aid in progression and having wingers run in behind will be intriguing as they face Sharks.
Bandari out of possession played in a 4-4-2 midblock in their match against Yanga; however, against Sharks, we should expect them to press high and penetration passes.
The dockers with Said Tsuma as a recruit in midfield might look to partner him with tough-tackling Clifford Ouma to disrupt any Sharks rhythm in midfield.
There will be major reliance on Beja Nyamawi to attack the spaces behind the Sharks' defense line and Mark Makwatta to get into the box on crosses.
In this match, the main points will be how coach Ken will look to disrupt Sharks build-up, as if they get into rhythm, Bandari could be in for a long day.
In attack, they could look to use their height advantage in set pieces and speed behind on transitions to hurt Sharks.
Sharks will look to exploit Bandari's frailties in defending crosses, especially the blindside.
Occupying the halfspaces will be a key area for Sharks in trying to destabilize the Bandari block.
It is set to be an intriguing tactical battle.
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