SS Assad assistant coach Bomani Nyiru says he is not worried about relegation despite the team being bottom of the FKF National Super League.
“I can confidently say relegation is not in my mind. We have a couple of challenges, but we will avoid relegation. We still have 16 games and our target is to finish in the top 10 position,” said Nyiru, who doubles up as the team’s goalkeeper trainer.
The club is yet to replace head coach Phelix Ogutu, who left the club to join former FKF Premier League side Muhoroni Youth. Mohammed Mwachiponi is the interim head coach assisted by Ali Ngenya and Nyiru.
He said they have strengthened the team by signing three players— Rashid Mwabora, Rashid Chaga and Issa Puzzo. He said they are waiting for the registration cards of two more players.
“We signed five players but we are yet to receive the cards of two players. We expect them to be available in our next game,” he said.
Nyiru confirmed the departure of Mohammed Nigol, David Kisila and Athman Bori. He spoke at Moi Stadium after the team lost 6-0 to Kisumu All Stars and attributed their heavy loss to fatigue.
“We played well, especially in the first half where we trailed 1-0. However, in the second half, fatigue took toll on the players because of the long journey from Kwale. Playing on artificial turf also contributed because some of the players have never played on the turf,” he added.
During the game, Laban Otieno and Wycliffe Onyango grabbed a brace each while Billy Byron and Ibrahim Ochieng scored a goal apiece. Kisumu All Stars coach Charles Warinda hailed his charges after the convincing win.
“I’m impressed with the way the boys played. This is a relatively new team after the departure of several first-team players. I was particularly impressed by the young players we promoted to the first team. They stepped up and played well,” he noted.
The club lost eight players, among them goalkeepers Steve Mapunda and William Odek. Others were Kevin Monyi (Gor), Steve Brian (Mofa), Steve Otieno (Mara Sugar), Tevin Dudical (Bidco) and Raymond Otieno (Soy).
In other games played on Saturday, AP
Bomet beat Naivas 2-0 while Kibera Black
Stars drubbed Mombasa Stars 4-1.
