Ulinzi Stars reload big guns

Ulinzi Stars players celebrate a goal against Nakuru All Stars in a Kenya Premier League encounter at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on August 2, 2015. Ulinzi, who last won the league in 2010, finished second last season and their never-say-die fans will hope that they go one better this time. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |

What you need to know:

  • After guiding Sofapaka and Tusker to the title in 2009 and 2012, respectively, he also led the brewers to the 2013 KPL Top 8 trophy before he was sacked at the end of the season.
  • His arrival in Nakuru in March 2014 came at a time when the soldiers were running out of ammunition and since he camped at Lanet Barracks, the team has been inching closer to reclaiming the title.
  • Ulinzi, who last won the league in 2010, finished second last term and their never-say-die fans will hope that they go one better this time.
  • The no-nonsense coach had his contract extended by one year at the close of 2015 and this puts him under pressure to repay the confidence the team’s management have in him.

As Ulinzi Stars start their title chase, journeyman Robert “The Lion” Matano will be under pressure to bring the trophy back to the barracks.

Matano has all it takes to fire the soldiers to Kenyan Premier League glory if his impressive record with top guns is anything to go by.

After guiding Sofapaka and Tusker to the title in 2009 and 2012, respectively, he also led the brewers to the 2013 KPL Top 8 trophy before he was sacked at the end of the season.

His arrival in Nakuru in March 2014 came at a time when the soldiers were running out of ammunition and since he camped at Lanet Barracks, the team has been inching closer to reclaiming the title.

Ulinzi, who last won the league in 2010, finished second last term and their never-say-die fans will hope that they go one better this time.

EYES SET ON TITLE

The no-nonsense coach had his contract extended by one year at the close of 2015 and this puts him under pressure to repay the confidence the team’s management have in him.
“I have won the KPL title with big teams but my ultimate joy would be to clinch it with Ulinzi,” Matano told Saturday Nation Sport earlier this week. “I have enjoyed my stay at the barracks and the support from the team management and fans is overwhelming.”
Matano is optimistic that the squad, a blend of experienced and upcoming talent, is capable of recapturing the title. To boost the armoury, he has drafted three players.
Mark Bikokwa was acquired from Nzoia United, Joseph Kuria from Thika United and Brian Odiaga from Sony Sugar. Odiaga is a central defender, Kuria an attacking midfielder and Bikokwa a striker.

NEW RECRUITS
“Although this season things are no longer the same,” said Matano. “I expect better results because we have recruited fresh blood, who should be able to get into our system fast.”
The rest of the squad will comprise goalkeepers James Saruni, Jacktone Odhiambo, Phinius Odhiambo and Francis Ochieng’; defenders Geoffrey Kokoyo, Mbongi Omar, Anthony Muriithi, Sunday Benson, Brian Birgen, Oliver Ruto, Cyrus Shitote, Hamisi Abdallah and Rodgers Omondi; midfielders Churchill Muroma, Boniface Onyango, Eric Apul and John Kago; and forwards John Makwata, Evans Ochieng’, Oscar Wamalwa, Daniel Waweru, Job Muhati, Justin Onuong’a, John Nairuka, Kevin Amwayi, Michael Otieno and Cliff Kasuti.
Ulinzi will miss the services of defender Mulinge Ndeto and striker Evans Amuoka who have been redeployed to official duties while defender Mohamed Rio is sidelined with a long-term injury. But Matano said he is not worried as he has enough players to face any team.