Charles Odera reveals reasons behind Wazito’s resurgence

Photo Credit: Wazito FC

FKFPL Charles Odera reveals reasons behind Wazito’s resurgence

Mark Kinyanjui 05:00 - 17.05.2023

Wazito have lost just once in their last five league fixtures and are out of the automatic relegation places.

Wazito FC head coach Charles Odera has revealed the reason his side has enjoyed a good run of form which has taken them out of the automatic relegation places this season.

The Muhoroni-based outfit started the season woefully before interim head coach Jephas Odongo abandoned ship to join Kakamega Homeboyz as assistant coach to Patrick Odhiambo after which Odera took the reigns as coach.

The tactician took charge of the club after leaving APS Bomet, who he had guided to promotion to the top flight last season before the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) upheld the decision by FKF to declare last season null and void.

In his first 20 games in charge, Wazito failed to register a win, but have now lost just once in their last five encounters, a run of form which has taken them out of the automatic relegation places.

Odera reveals that hard work coupled with teamwork has helped them in their battle against relegation this season.

“The boys have found morale because they have been motivated by the management,” he said, “We stressed the importance of teamwork and hard work,” he added.

"We informed them that our position was not good. We are taking every game as a final as always. The boys have been following my instructions tactically and they are willing and enthusiastic, wanting to learn all the time because they are coming from division one and two clubs.”

Wazito made several signings from the lower division clubs, which understandably affected their run in the topflight given their lack of experience at first, but Odera insists that their adaptation levels are another reason behind their run of form.

“It was challenging to get these players to get to grips with the topflight of this country. When they saw the bigger clubs, such as Tusker and Gor Mahia, they would crawl into fear, but now, they are over that.

“I believe our performance against Tusker (despite the 2-0 loss in April) gave them confidence. They are no longer affected by stage fright or being star-struck anymore.”

Wazito have beaten Ulinzi Stars, Sofapaka and Posta Rangers in their last five fixtures. They drew against Gor Mahia and lost against Kakamega Homeboyz in that period. 

They have now amassed 23 points, seven behind Nairobi City Stars with four games of the season left to play.