Bandari keen to extend unbeaten run in league ties

Bandari FC Goalkeeper Michael Wanyika against Gor Mahia during their Super Cup match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on 18/08/19 [PHOTO: Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Bandari will be out to protect the unbeaten run so far when they host Posta Rangers in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at the Mbaraki Sports Club today.

The Dockers are keen to climb to the top of the standings with a win against Rangers.

The team returned to the coastal city on Monday night from Tunisia where they had knocked out Tunisia’s US Ben Guerdane 3-2 on aggregate in the CAF Confederations Cup. 

The Dockers won the first leg 2-0 in Nairobi before losing 2-1 in the return leg on Sunday in Tunis. Brazilian Dos Santos scored a brace for Guerdane while William Wardi scored a late goal for the Dockers.

Coach Bernard Mwalala is optimistic that his team will move up the table and that the exposure his players have gained so far at the continental level will be an added advantage in the battle for KPL honours.

“We had an excellent pre-season locally and in South Africa and this has played a big role in our impressive performance in the CAF tournament,” said Mwalala after knocking out Guerdane.

Bandari have seven points from three matches and a win will see them dislodge leaders Western Stima who have eight points from four outings. Rangers lie 13th with four points.

Mwalala has set his eyes on the title and much is expected from him in today’s match. However, Ranger’s coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo is not in Mombasa on holiday and will be out to halt Bandari’s good run and become the first tactician this season to beat Bandari.

Pamzo is aware of what is expected of him this afternoon as he enjoys his second stint at the club having left the Postmen at the end of 2018 after a poor season.

Rangers finished 16th last season and are eager to improve on their performance this season. The former Kenyan international has a youthful team that has been improving in each match.

Mwalala has galaxy of quality players to pick for today’s match, but goalkeeper Michael Wanyika should be Mwalala’s first choice between the sticks with captain Felly Mulumba marshaling the defence.

Talisman Wardi and Yema Mwana will be relied on for goals.