Ulinzi Stars coach relieved after shooting down AFC Leopards

Ulinzi FC's John Njuguna (left) and Isaac Kipyegon of AFC Leopards during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Ulinzi Stars coach Dunstan Nyaudo returned to Nakuru a relieved man after guiding the soldiers to a hard-fought 1-0 SportPesa Premier League match victory over beleaguered AFC Leopards at Kenyatta Stadium, in Machakos.

The win, their third of the season, seems to have saved Nyaudo his job after completing six consecutive matches without a win.

The 10th-placed former league champions have had a stuttering start to the season; winning thrice, losing thrice and drawing eight times.

Daniel Waweru’s fourth-minute strike is all Ulinzi needed to end their six-game winless streak and pile more pain on struggling Leopards.

And by his own admission, Nyaudo said there were “sighs of relief” in the dressing room after Sunday’s triumph.

“Sometimes the pressure is too much both on players and the technical bench. There is a lot of tension when results don’t come. But I kept on telling the media and the management that with time, we are going to bounce back because we were not losing, but just stalemates,” Nyaudo told The Standard Sports.

“I’m relieved because I was under a lot of pressure from both the fans and the management. At one point, my players had started losing hope. So, this win is a very big boost to us and I believe it will propel us to the next level.”

Reflecting on the game, the former Kenyan international said: “This was a tough match because both teams were struggling. It was who would blink first and I’m glad we went for this one. We knew if we got a goal in the first half, it would be difficult to lose the match.” While the soldiers were celebrating in their dressing room, Harambee Stars midfielder Whvyonne Isuza said everyone in the Den is hurting due to the Leopards’ poor form that has seen them lose in five consecutive matches.

“No, we don’t deserve to be where we are right now. We are trying our best to lift the team from that position. There is a lot of pressure, but we will continue pushing ourselves until we get out of that situation,” said a visibly disappointed Isuza.

“We are playing very well, creating numerous chances than opponents but we aren’t scoring. Goals are not coming. And unfortunately, just like today (Sunday), the opponents got one chance and punished us.”

Meanwhile, Nicholas Muyoti was yesterday appointed as Kakamega Homeboyz head coach.