Bandari Boss Mwalala: Do Not Get Carried Away With Gor Victory
10th December 2018
Dockers head coach hails opening SPL victory over champions as Mathare take early charge of embryonic standings
- The Dockers who were led to the altar by K’Ogalo last season, served a notice of intent of going one better this term when they edged the record 17-time titleholders 2-1 on Saturday at their Mbaraki Sports Club Complex in Mombasa
- The tough start to the 2018/19 SPL campaigns continues this weekend when they travel to face 2009 title winners Sofapaka FC
- Just like last season, 2008 winners Mathare United FC took early charge of the embryonic table as seven of the 18 sides won their opening matches
MOMBASA, Kenya- Bandari FC coach Bernard Mwalala cautioned his team against getting carried away by victory over SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions, Gor Mahia FC as they hunt a first ever title.
The Dockers who were led to the altar by K’Ogalo last season, served a notice of intent of going one better this term when they edged the record 17-time titleholders 2-1 on Saturday at their Mbaraki Sports Club Complex in Mombasa.
William Wadri opened the scoring for the home side in the 45th minute before a defensive error allowed David King’atua to double the advantage in the second half.
Gor’s new signing, Nicholas Kipkirui came off the bench to score on his debut, giving the champions hope but Bandari held on for the all important victory.
“The most important thing is that we managed to get three points today. Everyone put in a shift today and I want to congratulate my players for going out there and enjoying the game.
“The performance was not to my expectations but the win is what’s important and I thank God we got it,” Mwalala who took charge of the Mombasa-based side mid last season told SportPesa News
“We can’t celebrate this result. It’s only the first game of the season and there is a lot to work on,” Mwalala stated.
Tough start
The tough start to the 2018/19 SPL campaigns continues this weekend when they travel to face 2009 title winners Sofapaka FC.
Last Saturday, Bandari’s defence was put to the test but put on a good show in a performance that reiterated why they produced the Defender of the Year and the Golden Glove winners in Felly Mulumba and Farouk Shikhalo in that order.
“We were solid in the back and despite the intensity of the Gor attack, we thank God that we were able to hold them off.
“To start with a win is what we set out to do, now we have to forget it and switch our focus to the next match,” captain Mulumba offered.
Their defeat of Gor was a highlight of round one of the new campaign where nine fixtures were played at different venues.
Just like last season, 2008 winners Mathare United FC took early charge of the embryonic table as seven of the 18 sides won their opening matches.
Cliff Nyakeya and Clifford Alwanga were on target as the Slum Boys who tailed off in the second half of the season to finish eighth beat Chemelil Sugar FC 2-0.
SPL ROUND 1 SUMMARY
Saturday, December 8
Bandari 2-1 Gor Mahia – Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa
Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 KCB FC – Bukhungu
Posta Rangers 0-1 Western Stima – Afraha
Mathare United 2-0 Chemelil Sugar FC – MISC Kasarani
Sunday, December 9
Mt Kenya United 1-2 Sofapaka – Machakos
Zoo FC 0-1 Nzoia Sugar – Kericho
Vihiga United 2-0 Ulinzi Stars – Bukhungu
Sony Sugar 1-1 Tusker FC – Awendo
AFC Leopards 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks – Machakos