Nzoia’s Mulukurwa salutes subs after draw at Bidco

Nzoia Sugar had travelled some 400km away to Nairobi in search of their first FKF Premier League win of the season following a dreadful opening run of four games in which they had only collected two points.

After a barren opening half against Bidco United on Wednesday, Nzoia diminished their own chances when Felicien Okanda was sent off for a dangerous tackle and the hosts took the lead almost immediately through Erick Gichimu.

The substitute found the net with a delightful free-kick that went in off the bar but Nzoia did well to haul themselves back into the game thanks another substitute, Philip Muchuma who headed home to leave the match at 1-1.

It ended that way with Nzoia coach Slyvester Mulukurwa giving credit Muchuma for his impact off the bench.

“Muchuma is one of my super subs, he scored a beautiful goal through a wonderful display of team combination and we could have even scored more” Mulukurwa said post-match.

The tactician also lamented on the officiating, which he felt was not fair but promised his team will bounce to winning ways, and fans should remain patient.

“With the display that my boys have shown today, I have faith that the boys will get a win soon. They are bonding together well and we are setting our eyes on the match against Homeboyz Fc in early January. I urge the fans to remain patient,” Mulukurwa stated.

On his part, Bidco tactician Akhulikia noted that though they were to collect maximum points, a draw was fair enough to both sides and they will keep on working better for the next fixtures.

“We did not play well. This is the first match we have played badly in our five fixtures so far. I am not contented with the results in regards with what we wanted to achieve, but now we take results the way they are” he noted.

On the drought for a first win of the season, Akhukilia stated that they have so far done well, having faced tough rivals, but called for fans to be patient since better results will come.

Asked for his comment on officiating, Akhukilia noted that the match officials tried to do a good job but called on referees to up their game and ensure there is fair officiating all round as this is a top tier league.

“The last three or four matches we have played officiating has not been good. This is a top tier league and all teams expect fair performance from match officials. It is a responsibility for them to do good work,” he stated.

Bidco Fc’s next assignment will be an away trip against Vihiga United, while Nzoia will face Kakamega Homeboyz.

-Report by Paul Ombati