Mara Sugar head coach George Midenyo reckons their narrow 1-0 loss to Bandari last Sunday has offered valuable lessons as his side gears up for their next league clash.
The league newcomers were undone by a 35th-minute strike from Shasisri Nahimana at the Mombasa Sports Club.
Midenyo, however, remains upbeat, seeing the defeat as part of their growth.
“The players still have plenty to learn,” Midenyo said. “Whether it's winning games, losing by slim margins, or adapting to different conditions and climates on the road, it's all part of the learning curve. In time, they'll grow and get used to the demands of this league.”
Mara Sugar had opened their campaign in style, sweeping aside Kakamega Homeboyz 3-0 at Awendo Green Stadium courtesy of Samuel Otieno’s sensational hat-trick.
Reflecting on the Bandari loss, Midenyo revealed their game plan had been to secure a point but acknowledged that a first-half lapse cost them dearly.
“It was a tough contest. Bandari dominated the first half and a small mistake led to their goal,” Midenyo admitted.
“We tried to push for a comeback in the second half, but it just didn’t happen. We aimed to take a point, but it wasn’t our day.”
Next up for Mara Sugar is a home fixture against Nairobi City Stars at Awendo Stadium on Saturday. Midenyo is keen to tighten up after spotting some weaknesses in their last outing.
“We’re addressing the minor errors from the Bandari game and focusing on our strategy. We need to be sharper if we’re to secure the three points,” he added.
City Stars come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Bidco United, with Yuto Kasaba’s early strike cancelled out by Eugene Ikutwa.
Despite being in their debut top-flight season, Midenyo is clear on the team's primary objective.
“We are underdogs in the league because this is our first season in the top tier. Our main priority is to maintain our top-flight status,” he noted.
The Narok-based side earned their place in the top tier after finishing first in the NSL, collecting 84 points, leading Mathare United who had 82 points and Naivas with 76 points.
