Changes worked, Mbungo says but keeps off Were talk

AFC Leopards head coach Andre Casa Mbungo is happy the changes he made against Wazito FC paid off, winning his first match of the season on Saturday.

Mbungo benched Ismaila Diarra, John Wanda, Collins Shivachi and Paul Were, the latter completely missing in the lineup as Dennis Shikhayi, Hansel Ochieng, Collins Shichenje and Eugine Mukangula were elevated into the first team.

The changes were made from the team that started against Kariobangi Sharks a week ago, the sides settling for a barren draw at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

Having lost the season opener 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz, Mbungo was in a must win situation on Saturday forcing the changes.

“When you fail to win in two consecutive matches you have to find a way to improving where dots are failing to connect. I’m happy that we finally won. We also created more chances, so players have to keep doing their best in the team to fit the demands. The season is on and have to get going, all players must realise that,” told a happy Mbungo.

Gestures told it all. When the final whistle blew at the Bukhungu Stadium Kakamega, the Rwandese knelt down, lifted his hands high in a thanksgiving mood, underlining the weight on his shoulders before the first season win.

John Mark Makwata scored from the penalty spot to hand Ingwe the important three points, taking their tally to four from three matches.

“I’m so happy to have scored. My first goal in my second match means a lot to me. The changes made today in the team were so healthy because we reached the opponent’s goal more times than in our previous match. We also had good flow in the match,” said Makwata, the former Ulinzi Stars man.

Makwatta missed the opening match against Homeboyz, as he was yet to sign at the den. Poignantly, his teammate Were, who was signed in the last day of the transfer window alongside him was not available for selection.

“He will play another day,” Mbungo told Citizen Digital when as asked why he was missing on the days’ team.

Sources within Leopards have intimated the widely traveled winger was axed from the travelling team for failing to attend training.

He has however linked up with the team in Kakamega, ahead of weekend’s clash against Chemelil Sugar.