We picked a lot of positives in Dar, bullish Mwalala says

Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala believes they’ve picked a lot of positives in Tanzania despite failing to lift the Super Cup.

The dockers fell 1-0 to fellow Kenyan outfit Kariobangi Sharks  in the eight-team tournament to miss the gong, but Mwalala who has largely been credited for turning around the fortunes of the coastal based side has chosen to look the bright side of things.

The debutants made an impressive show in Dar with a remarkable win against Tanzanian champions Simba SC to book a final date with Sharks, but Harrison Mwendwa’s well taken goal denied the coastal based side the crown.

“I think we should not mourn, we reached a stage that anyone didn’t expect of us. We’ve lost the trophy but also gained a lot. It was our first time (to participate) and now this has given us a new mileage heading to our KPL matches,” said Mwalala.

On the missed opportunities, Mwalala said, “It’s normal but I have always told my boys that if you don’t utilize your chances, your opponents will hit back at you. Sharks had a few but they were sharp and we congratulate them,” added the youthful tactician.

On the other hand, Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya was full of praise for his side’s second half performance that saw them dominate larger spells of the 45-minutes, claiming that they were more ‘brave’.

“I think we matured more in the second half. In a final you always don’t expect much and maybe you need match winners like Harrison Mwendwa (to win) .We’re happy and I want to congratulate my players for their massive effort in this competition.”

Mwendwa’s solitary strike gave Sharks a second trophy in three months while also walking away with Ksh. 3 Million and a chance to play Merseyside outfit Everton in a friendly contest in Nairobi later this year.

Mbao goalkeeper Mitacha Minata was crowned the best keeper of the tournament, Duke Abuya won the golden boot while Bandari’s William Wadri was selected as player of the tournament.