New coach, but same old problems for Wazito FC

Wazito coach Francis Kimanzi is confident that they will bounce back from their fault start of the 2020/2021 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL).

The moneybags, who are among the teams to watch out for this season because of their huge spending during the transfer window period, were the biggest casualty in the seven matches held over the weekend, in adherence to Covid-19 containment protocols.

It was a rude welcome for coach Kimanzi and most of the club’s new signings who were handed a starting role in the encounter held at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi, as hosts Kariobangi Sharks crashed them 4-0.

Eric Kapaito made light work of Wazito’s defence as he scored a brace in the second-half and assisted Julius Masaba to a goal at death. Daniel Sakari was Sharks other scorer.

Kimanzi, who is barely a month-old into the job, said there is no cause for alarm because it is their first match of the season.

“We are just starting it (the season). We have seen areas where there were mistakes and we will help them (players) improve to the next level. It is not easy to get results immediately when the entire bench is new. I am just getting to know the players better,” said Kimanzi.

By bringing on board 16 new players and releasing 14 others, Wazito hopes to improve from their 14th place finish in the 2019/2020 season, in which they had also invested massively. Sharks coach William Muluya said they will look to replicate the performance in their upcoming fixtures.

“We want to play good football and pick more wins,” said Muluya.

New boy Otanga shines

KCB, under coach Zedekiah Otieno were the other big winners of the first round as they hammered Posta Rangers 3-0 at the same venue. Derrick Otanga, who joined KCB from Wazito, was the man of the match, as he scored a goal and assisted new signing Henry Onyango and Enock Agwanda to a goal apiece.

Otanga said the performance has motivated him to aim higher this season.

“When I was at Wazito, I lacked playing time but here (at KCB) the coach has embraced me. I hope at the end of the season I will be among the players being recognised for their sterling performance,” said an elated Otanga.

Goals from Robinson Kamura and Elvis Rupia also saw 13-time league winners AFC Leopardsstart the new season brightly as they beat 11-time winners Tusker 2-1.

David Majak was Tusker’s scorer in the match which Brewers coach Robert Matano admitted they were poor due to inadequate preparations brought about by Covid-19.

For Leopards under the tutelage of new coach Thomas Trucha, the win was crucial since it ended their long wait for a victory in their league opening fixture. Since 2009, Leopards only victory in their season opening fixture was a 3-0 win over Nakumatt FC in 2017.

Newcomers Nairobi City Stars announced their return to the top flight league with a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar, while Bidco United held Western Stima to a barren draw on their bow in the top league.

David Odhiambo scored as Kakamega Homeboyz handed Vihiga United a rude return to the top flight league, while Abdala Hassaan’s goal also helped host Bandari to a 1-0 win over Sofapaka.

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