Matano refuses to take credit for Ulinzi’s winning streak

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano during their top-8 match against KCB's at Kenyatta stadium, Machakos. PHOTO BY:DENNIS OKEYO

Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano (right) has been credited with bringing a major turn-around in the club and now the soldiers can dream of a top-three finish.

Despite his obvious influence on the squad, Matano has refused to take all the credit for the team’s good run which saw them pick their fifth win of the season after stopping Thika United 1-0 at the weekend.

The coach has instead praised his players for showing a resilient spirit and hard work on the pitch.

“The players have been working hard and playing according to instruction and we have all seen the results. I am happy with how we have been performing and it is only imperative that we keep the same momentum to the end of the season,” Matano told the club’s website.

He hopes the team wins the remaining two games of the season and finish strongly.

“We have to finish in same pace we are in at the moment. I am optimistic we will pick up three points,” he added.

The team hosts Bandari on Saturday at Afraha Stadium with victory guaranteed to help in their quest for a top-three finish.

He praised his players for being calm against Thika United even as they searched for the winning goal.

“We were patient and created many chances and we should have scored. It was a great relief for Kevin Amwayi to get the late goal and it shows that our character is growing. We play until the final whistle,” added the tactician.

The team has been boosted with the return of skipper Stephen Ochollah who returns to training after being out for two weeks with a rib injury. Ochollah missed the wins against Western Stima in Nakuru and that of his former side Thika United last weekend but will be back in time for the weekend clash against Bandari at Afraha on Saturday.

Stephen Waruru who served his one match suspension against Thika United will also be back for selection for the weekend assignment.

Kevin Amwayi who scored against Thika United at the weekend said he was elated by his performance.

“I have been giving out assists almost every weekend and getting a goal for myself was something really great for me. It was one of the best goals I have ever scored and it was especially a relief because it ended up being the winning goal,” Amwayi said.

“I was sure I was going to score and I picked my spot early according to how the keeper was positioned. It was a good goal I must say,” he added.