City Stars third on the FKF-PL log deservedly, says Otieno

Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) new boys City Stars seemed set for a dismal end to the 2020/21 season, after enduring a rough run following the exit of former manager Sanjin Alagic.

The uninspiring streak albeit short, got the club faithfuls worried about what lay ahead for them in the hands of new coach John Amboko.

At the start of the season club CEO Patrick Korir revealed to Citizen Digital that they were very realistic of their ambitions given the fact that they were making a return from a four-year hiatus from the top tier league, and saying that a one game at a time approach would augur well with their plans at the time.

Up to the time Alagic left, the Hope Center-based side had punched above their weight as they were ranked among the top five sides in the division after an impressive run in June that saw them bag all points on offer in their five outings.

Amboko’s tenure started on an underwhelming note as he settled for a barren draw against relegation-threatened Vihiga United and lost against Bidco United in his first two games in charge.

City Stars had grown confidence that they could finish among the top three teams by that time, an ambition that seemed to be fading in the hands of the youthful coach.

However, Amboko seems to have found a winning formula after his side bounced back by defeating leaders Tusker and AFC leopards on the trot.

Club coordinator Samson Otieno is chuffed at Amboko’s recent exploits, saying that the Simba wa Nairobi can match any rival in the division.

“When our former coach Alagic left, everyone was confused and I think that affected how Amboko started his tenure.

“We had to reassure him that he is in charge and that we are fully behind him. And you can see he has quickly helped our team to start winning again.”

He says the fact that they have registered impressive results against elite sides and without their midfield cog of Oliver Maloba and Sven Yidah who were away on international duty is an indication that they compete against anyone.

“Our win against Leopards propelled us to number four on the log with is no mean feat by any standards. On our day we can go toe-to-toe against anybody in the division.”

He however warns that they should not be carried away by their recent form and instead have their feet firmly on the ground if they are to finish their season on a high.

“We are very practical in terms of what we expect of our players.

We want to carry on with our form against Mathare who are a very good side despite their current rank on the log.

“These are the kind of games that we have to be our best to win because in their current shape they want to avoid making more mistakes,” he added.