Zoo Kericho FC plan for life after losing key trio

Zoo Kericho FC head coach Sammy Okoth says the club must strive for a stronger start to their Kenyan Premier League campaign as they prepare to host Nzoia Sugar in their season-opener on Saturday.

The Kericho-based club made a forgettable start in the previous campaign and were early candidates for relegation but posted a remarkable second leg to survive the chop on their way to a comfortable 11-place finish.

“We are having a good preseason despite losing key players to our opponents that just shows how good as a club we are when it comes to nurturing talent.

When such moves happen it also creates an opportunity for the other members of the club to show the world what they can offer, and that’s exactly what my players are determined to do,”said Okoth.

The club faces perhaps their sternest test as they begin life without Nicholas Kipkirui, Isaac Kipyegon and Mike Madoya – a trio that made up the backbone upon which the team has relied upon during their three years in the top flight.

“Last year we lost our first three games, that didn’t make it easy for us towards that ended of the season we must strive and at least win our first three games.

The Kenyan premier league is becoming tougher every season and we cannot afford to drop points carelessly if we want to stay in the league so we have to treat each game as a final,”  Okoth added.