Posta Rangers gun for glory

It is easy to admire Posta Rangers coach Zedekiah Otieno.

At a time when most Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sides are struggling to find money to sign quality players ahead of the new season, Otieno, popularly known as ‘Zico’, insists he has no such problems.

Rangers are among the two sides that were promoted to the 2016 premier league (although there is still some controversy over their promotions). The team has already hit the ground running and is signing new players.

“I am grateful to our sponsors Posta because I can afford to get any player I want. It is the first time in my coaching career that this is happening. Even when I was at Gor Mahia, we struggled to have money to get good players. At Sony, it was the same challenge,” he said.

As a show of their seriousness, Rangers have already roped in veteran defender Jockins Atudo, who was priced away from Tusker.

Furthermore, the team is planning to play two build-up matches outside the country as part of their preparations for the new season.

“We are planning a three-week residential camp in a high altitude area and then travel out of the country for friendly matches. We have big plans for next season,” said the coach.

Rangers open their KPL campaign on February 13 against Muhoroni Youth and Otieno insists it is important for them to start with a win.

“The first match of the season is usually very important and winning it gives one the desired confidence. We are determined to beat our opponents and build the momentum for our next game,” he said.

Otieno has admitted that it will not be easy to beat Muhoroni Youth, who had a good season by finishing sixth.

“They had a good run especially in the second leg of the league and we are determined to pick three points from them before they pick up form.”

The league’s defending champions Gor Mahia will play Bandari in the season-opener’s Super Cup, which will be played at Mombasa Municipal Stadium for the first time on February 6.

One week later, both sides will be in action in the continental level. Bandari travel to Congo where they will face St Eloi Lupopo in a Confederations Cup match, while Gor Mahia hosts CNAPS in a CAF Champions League fixture.

Ulinzi Stars, who finished runner-up last season, take on Sony Sugar at home in a repeat of the 2015 season opener. Kakamega Homeboyz, the other promoted side, start against Western Stima at home, while Thika United entertain Tusker at home. Sofapaka play Ushuru in the other day one fixtures.

There will be two matches on Valentines day. Apart from Rangers taking on Muhoroni Youth, AFC Leopards will entertain Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium.