City banks on striker Sanneh to salvage season

Kenya Premier League side Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Korir expects the return of in-form striker Ebrima Sanneh to inspire positive results for his struggling side.

Simba wa Nairobi saw their bright start to the season fade away quickly following a series of dismal results, a fete that has seen the club drop from their impressive third position after three rounds of play to a deplorable 13th, three points adrift of the drop zone.

Korir is bullish Sanneh, who returned to the squad with a brace last weekend in the club’s 4-1 drubbing of Mutomo Tigers, will add the much-needed spark to the team’s snipe-less attack.

“If you look at our recent games, we created many chances but lacked someone who could convert them.

“There are games where we drew out of our failure to score. His return is critical for the team as he will bring his attacking prowess into the squad something I’m sure will boost the confidence of the rest of the players.”

Scintillating have been his attacking instincts to the extent that he is four strikes shy of becoming the club’s all-time goal scorer.

Korir says Sanneh’s exploits have seen him emerge as one of the best transfers businesses in a long time.

“Sanneh’s record speaks of consistency and dedication to the course.

“This is his second stint with us and it is difficult for an outsider to even think that he went away and came back.”

The Gambian has found the back of the net for the Hope Center based side 32 times overtaking club legend Jimmy Bageya (30) to third in the all-time top scorer list and is hot on the heels of Francis Thairu (34) and Justus Basweti (35).

Korir hopes his return will help the club turn around its fortunes starting Saturday’s encounter with 18th placed Zoo Kericho at the Moi Sports Center Kasarani.

“Recently we have witnessed some of our key players return from injury. I’m confident that we will get a result against Zoo with him in the squad.”

With the scare of facing a relegation-threatened side all too familiar, the City faithful will hope Sanneh’s return will bring them a smile that has eluded their faces in their recent matches.