How Bandari mauled Sharks to win SportPesa Shield

Bandari celebrate winning SportPesa Shield at Kasarani Stadium yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Bandari have made a return to the continental scene for the first time in four years after dethroning SportPesa Shield champions Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in yesterday’s replayed final at Kasarani.

The dockers were leading 2-1 courtesy of Congolese import Yema Mwana’s brace before the match was rained off at the break on Saturday evening.

And when the match continued yesterday morning in the 46th minute, it was substitute Benjamin Mosha’s strike six minutes into stoppage time that sealed Bandari’s qualification to next season’s Caf Confederation Cup.

Mosha unexpectedly scored with his chest from Abdallah Hassan’s deflected cross, leaving goalkeeper Gad Matthews stranded.

It was sweet revenge for Bernard Mwalala’s men after Sharks denied Bandari a chance to play English Premier League side Everton in next month’s historic friendly match by beating them 1-0 in the SportPesa Cup final in Dar es Salaam.

But it appears to have been a continuation of Bandari’s dominance against Sharks in the local scene after they overcame their new-found rivals with an identical 1-0 victory in both legs in the recently concluded SportPesa Premier League.

Apart from earning a ticket to represent the country in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, the coastal side, who last won the domestic Cup in 2015, pocketed Sh2 million in prize money with an additional one million shillings from their sponsors Kenya Ports Authority.

Having qualified for the continental competition, Bandari will hold their pre-season training in South Africa courtesy of their sponsors KPA.

After the final whistle yesterday, Mwalala couldn’t hide his joy as he heaped praise on his players for a job well-done.

“I’m very happy to have won my first trophy with Bandari; a trophy that has earned us a ticket to return to the continental scene after four years,” said a jubilant Mwalala.

“It wasn’t an easy game, more so after it was called off on Saturday due to the heavy rains. But I’m glad despite the distraction of the rain, the boys remain focused and finished off the job in style today. Actually, we were not thinking about revenge at all. Our target was to win and we are pleased we achieved it.”

‘I’m very proud of my boys and what we have achieved this season. Finishing second in the league for the second season in a row and then win the Shield is no mean feat.”

Asked about his plans for next season, the former Nzoia Sugar coach said: “I think it’s time to celebrate now then start planning for the new season. But all in all, we want to leave a mark on the continental scene. I believe with good preparation we can do well in the competition.”