Huge turnout for Bandari trials

More than 200 players turned out at Mbaraki Sports Club to try out with Bandari ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League season.

Bandari technical director Twahir Muhidin said they did not anticipate such a huge attendance but remained positive that they will get the right quality despite the short period.

"The number is very big but we want to take our time in the three days we will conduct the trials to enable us select only the best for the team," he said adding that they are mainly looking out for physique and talent with special focus on youthful players.

According to Muhidin, successful trialists will be offered contracts by Bandari but will later be shipped to the youth team or loaned out to other clubs to gain experience. Muhidin said the Bandari team as currently constituted will need very minimal changes after their historic second place finish.

"We might only add three players to the current squad and most probably drop none because finishing second in the league means the players worked as a team and fought for the club’s course," revealed the former Harambee Stars coach.

Meanwhile, club CEO Edward Oduor confirmed that sponsors, Kenya Ports Authority, have given the go ahead for the team's preseason training in Zanzibar.

"We have the approval to travel to Zanzibar for the four days pre-season camp as promised by Kenya Ports Authority acting Managing Director Daniel Manduku but have to wait for the technical team to tell us when it’s appropriate to make the trip," offered Oduor.

Bandari players will resume training on Monday after a three-week break to start preparations for the upcoming season. The Dockers open their league campaign at home against Gor Mahia on December 8.