Ulinzi’s Saruni confident of landing EA military title

After beating hosts Rwanda’s APR 1-0 in the on going 2016 East Africa Military Games opener, Ulinzi Stars captain James Saruni has his eyes set on the trophy.

Mohammed ‘Rio’ Hassan scored the lone goal to hand the Kenyan soldiers three points, in a match staged at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Monday.

Speaking to Citizen Digital from the Rwandese capital, Saruni said the win was crucial in their quest for football superiority in the region.

“We scored early in the match and held on to win although it was not easy. This year our aim is to clinch the football championship because last year Rwanda, beating them is quite motivating. We want to win it for Kenya,” told the KDF side skipper.

Rwanda amassed seven points to finish ahead of Kenya and Uganda soldiers in 2015 edition held in Kampala, Uganda to carry home the men’s football trophy.

The Robert Matano coached side will play Tanzania on Friday, a match the Ulinzi number one shot stopper said they must win.

“We want to make sure we win against Tanzania because we don’t know how other teams will perform in other matches. We don’t want to be under any pressure by the time we play Uganda.

“Every team here is targeting Kenya because the past record has been very good. Winning the title will be a good build up for the Africa Military Games which we also want to leave a mark,” charged the skipper.

Only 16 players left for the annual tourney, alongside four officials.

“There was a restriction of the maximum number of players to participate that is why we could not travel with the entire team. The level of competition is very high and this tournament will help get back home for the league in a good shape.

“A player like Samuel Onyango is in his debut military tournament, definitely the experience will add something to what he knows,” concluded Saruni.

Squad that played APR: James Saruni, Cylus Shitote, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Mohammed Hassan, Omar Mbongi, Eric Apul, Samuel Onyango, Churchill Muloma, Stephen Waruru, John Makwatta, Daniel Waweru

Subs: Jactone Odhiambo, Brian Birgen, Ben Sande, Boniface Onyango, Enosh Ochieng’