Wazito coach Charles Odera reveals how surprise Tusker win helped avoid automatic relegation

FKFPL Wazito coach Charles Odera reveals how surprise Tusker win helped avoid automatic relegation

Mark Kinyanjui 09:11 - 13.07.2023

The Muhoroni-based side pulled off impressive performances in the closing stages of the season, including a famous 2-1 win over a title-chasing Tusker.

Wazito FC head coach Charles Odera has revealed how the surprise win over Tusker at the intimidating Muhoroni Stadium played a key role in helping the side avoid automatic relegation from the FKF Premier League.

After going winless in each of their first 11 games under his tutelage, they started to pick up an impressive run of form and pulled off impressive performances and results along the way, including a famous 2-1 win over a title-chasing Tusker back in June.

Odera took charge of the club in February after leaving the beleaguered APS Bomet, and had his work cut out to ensure that the club could stand a chance of surviving relegation. 

The experienced tactician has explained how the game against the Brewers helped the side secure a promotion/relegation playoff tie against National Super League's third-placed Migori Youth.

“I want to thank God because it has not been easy to get a team in such a situation and end up taking it in a situation where they stand a chance of surviving in the Premier League,” Odera told Pulse Sports.

"I want to thank the players because they have been very cooperative as well as the management who have motivated them enough to survive in the league.

“We made a few changes which have helped the side alot. 

“Every game was like a final to us. The boys had to give their best in order to be able to win. Winning that game (against Tusker) gave them a lot of fighting spirit and morale as they showed they could beat anyone, and it enabled them to believe they could win.”

The first leg of the playoff tie will be played at the Migori Stadium on Saturday, July 15 while the second leg shall be staged at the Muhoroni Stadium on Saturday, July 22.

Both matches will be played for a duration of 90 minutes and thereafter, the winner on aggregate shall secure a slot in the 2023/24 FKF Premier League.

Should there be a tie on aggregate after the end of regular time in the second match, the team with the greatest number of away goals shall be declared the winner of the playoff.

Additionally, if the teams are tied both on aggregate and on the away goals rule, the match shall proceed to penalties. The winner of the subsequent shootout shall secure a place in next season’s top tier.