Mbarak: Bandari need adequate preparation

What you need to know:

  • Muhiddin said Bandari is closely monitoring the Congolese side which was eliminated by Sofapaka from the same competition in 2011.
  • Bandari will start residential training next month in readiness for the first round will be played in Lubumbashi.

Coast-based football administrator, Twaha Mbarak, has urged domestic Cup winners Bandari FC to start early preparations ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup match against St Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mbarak has said this will give Bandari a realistic chance of performing well against the Lubumbashi-based club as they seek to reach the group stage of the competition.

Mbarak, who is seeking the vice presidency in the forthcoming Football Kenya Federation’s national elections, said it was time Kenya clubs did things differently if they were to perform well in continental championships. Mbarak said friendlies against local league sides would not help Bandari prepare adequately for the tournament.

Speaking on Saturday at the Mombasa Sports Club, Mbarak said the current Bandari squad has what it takes to reach the final of the tournament but the players must be given the necessary exposure.

“Bandari has some experienced players in the team but some of them have never played beyond our borders, even at school or college level. They need the international exposure, lest their get suffer stage fright,” he said.

Mbarak, who is Ambrose Rachier’s running mate, said he is ready to play a key role in arranging friendly matches for Bandari.

He said Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia must also play high profile international friendly matches to give the players confidence ahead of their African Champions League matches.

But Bandari coach Twahir Muhiddin expressed confidence his team will go past St Eloi Lupopo in the first round of the Confederation Cup next  February.

NEW SIGNINGS

Muhiddin said Bandari is closely monitoring the Congolese side which was eliminated by Sofapaka from the same competition in 2011. He said Bandari will start residential training next month in readiness for the first round will be played in Lubumbashi.

Muhiddin said Bandari have concluded talks with Sofapaka’s Congolese defender Felly Mulumba and Chemelil Sugar striker Meshack  Karani with a view of signing them up ahead of  Confederation Cup  matches.