Omino's War Cry

By Gilbert Wandera

Last season, Western Stima finished in eighth position in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

This was one of their best finishes in the league and earned them a right to play in the KPL Top 8 tournament bringing together the best local teams.

It was therefore expected that the team would repeat the good performance or perhaps do even better this season. However, with two matches to go, the team is lying 11th and are unlikely to repeat last season’s feat.

But coach Henry Omino says they are determined to finish among the top eight and as they play Mathare United this evening, he believes it is not too late to achieve their dream.

"We had a good performance no doubt last season but we failed to replace our key players when they left and this has come to haunt us. It is a lesson we have learned painfully and the management has promised change.

"Despite this, we are still determined to be among the top eight and this begins today. We have to beat Mathare United and win against Thika United away to achieve our dream.

"We are motivated and adequately prepared for the challenge starting today. Mathare are a good side with quality players, but I want to tell them that we are ready for them and are intent on winning at whatever cost," he said.

The team arrived in Nairobi two days ago and had a final training session yesterday at Stima Club in readiness for today’s match.

Influential midfielder Kevin Amwayi who has just been called up to the national team will be the key man in a Stima side that is well known to play better away from home.

Well aware that he cannot finish among the top eight Mathare United coach Salim Ali says he will be content with a respectable finish in the league and beating Stima will help him do that.

"Relegation is obviously out of the way due to our impressive goal aggregate but we must fight for a respectable finish. This is what is left for us and we are keen to get it," he said.

Ali praised his opponents ahead of today’s clash pointing out that they have a lot of experienced and mature players who can adapt to any condition.

Looking ahead the United tactician revealed that he is considering his future with the club if as expected many senior players desert the team.

"As it is it has been a tough season rebuilding the team and I am not prepared to go through the same. Luckily the management is working hard to ensure that the problems we had this season are resolved. I hope it will be sorted out soon," he said.