Trophies come first, says Mbungo as he takes charge at Bandari

Andre Casa Mbungo was officially handed the reins to coach Bandari FC Monday and immediately earmarked winning trophies as his top priority.

The soft spoken Rwandan has been hired on a two-year contract and speaking at his unveiling ceremony at the Mbraki Sports Club, the former AFC Leopards and Rayon Sports coach did not hide his penchant for titles.

“Trophy always comes first in any team and it will open more opportunities for the team thus we will not leave any chance on it,” said Mbungo in his first interview.

At the same time, Mbungo said having Bandari players in the different national team categories will also be his priority.

Currently Abdallah Hassan is the only regular Bandari player in Harambee Stars squad, and Mbungo is aware of the value having more players in the national set-up will add to his squad.

“You can’t call yourself a coach when only one or two players are in their national teams, we will work hard in getting more there ( national teams).”

Mbungo has promised to name his assistant within a week or two, giving a strong hint he’ll settle on a local coach to help him in attaining his goals.

Club legend Wilson Obungu who was team manager will meanwhile serve as goalkeeping trainer.

“I am not new in Kenya so I will unveil my assistant within a short period so that we can move together,” explained the towering tactician.

On his part Bandari vice chairman Bernard Osero who represented their sponsors Kenya Ports Authority said that they had asked the board to look for an experienced coach to lead the team after Ken Odhiambo ditched the side for Sofapaka.

“We looked at his CV and he is of course qualified to take over and lead our team to greater heights,” he concluded.

Mbungo’s first assignment will be against Zoo FC mid this week away in Nakuru after watching from the terraces yesterday when they beat Western Stima 2-0.