Bandari Boss on What Cost Them Title Charge Following Bright Start After AFC Leopards Stalemate

Bandari boss Ken Odhiambo Photo || Bandari

Bandari Boss on What Cost Them Title Charge Following Bright Start After AFC Leopards Stalemate

Mark Kinyanjui 16:57 - 21.05.2025

Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo has explained why his charges faltered in the title race at the expense of Kenya Police and Gor Mahia this season.

Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo has explained what cost them the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League title following their recent 0-0 draw against AFC Leopards on Sunday afternoon.

Bandari started like a house on fire at the beginning of the season, and by the end of December, were going toe to toe with KCB as the early pace setters in the hunt for the title.

However, a blip in form from February onwards meant the side have collapsed dramatically, and they now find themselves eight on 42 points. 

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Speaking to Azam TV following the match, Odhiambo blamed the side’s collapse to injuries to key players, which derailed their plans to keep the momentum going.

“We started well but suffered many injuries. Half of the team got injured. I am not a miracle worker. One player can even change the team. 

"Now we can see the likes of Roma (Andrew Juma), Wadri (William) are coming back. It means we will start the season stronger.

“Our targets for the season were affected by some challenges. We have really tried to overcome it, but for next year, we have to be better prepared," Odhiambo said.

“We started well but suffered many injuries. Half of the team got injured. I am not a miracle worker. One player can even change the team. 

“Now we can see the likes of Roma (Andrew Juma), Wadri (William) are coming back. It means we will start the season stronger.”

Bandari: We Will Put Our Faith in Youngsters

With Bandari no longer in the title conversation, Odhiambo says the club’s focus has shifted to building depth and giving promising youth players valuable minutes on the pitch.

On Sunday, Kenya U20 international William Gitamu Mwangi was a thorn in the flesh for Leopards’ fullbacks, while Izzadin Ramadhan also made his presence felt.

“Fear of losing is why coaches tend not to play young players. If you look, Zadin, Willie, Kahema—we will all play them,” he added.

“I realised AFC Leopards’ fullbacks needed to be pinned back, and that is what both players did to reduce their influence, and they did well.”

Despite their recent inconsistencies, Bandari still have one major bright spot this season—Beja Nyamawi, who sits fourth in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals, five behind leader Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboyz.

With 10 wins, 12 draws, and 10 losses from 32 matches, Bandari will be keen to finish the season strongly and use it as a foundation for a more resilient campaign next term.

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