Ulinzi Stars head coach Dunstan Nyaudo has revealed his tactical approach that led to their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mara Sugar on Sunday at the Dandora Stadium.
The soldiers secured their second consecutive win following their 2-1 triumph over Nairobi City Stars last year, showing some improved form having gone seven matches without a win.
The lone goal for Ulinzi was scored by Staphod Odhiambo in the second half, following a brilliant free-kick from maestro Boniface Muchiri who came on as a substitute.
Muchiri delivered a well-placed ball into the box allowing Odhiambo to find the back of the net. The goal ensured the Nakuru-based club earned three crucial points, bringing their tally to 19 points after 16 matches as they moved four points clear of the relegation places.
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Speaking after the match, Nyaudo highlighted the quality of Mara Sugar stating that he had to thoroughly prepare his players for the match.
“We prepared the team because we knew how Mara play and at the same time, we haven’t been securing enough wins to push us into the right position.
So, we had to focus heavily on finishing and team build-up, because Mara Sugar play an excellent brand of football and if you’re not careful they can beat you at any time,” Nyaudo said.
He further explained his team’s mixed performances and discussed the challenges of working with a squad of largely inexperienced players. He also emphasized his goal of building a competitive team in the coming years.
“I think from the start, I said I have a team I am trying to build (a new Ulinzi) that could become a formidable side in the next two years,” he added.
“But you see, the reason we had to drop again was because every time you picked your moment, there was an international break when the players played off, and when they came back, you needed to start again.”
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Nyaudo also expressed his frustration over the youthfulness of his squad, which has an average age of under 21. He mentioned that this inexperience has been a significant challenge for the team.
“Most of our players are so much inexperienced. You can see I have an average age of 22, and apart from Muchiri and Enosh, the rest are below 20 or 21,” he said.
Ulinzi Stars’ next assignment will be against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, 18th January. Sharks were held to a 0-0 draw by Mathare United at the Dandora Stadium on Sunday evening.
In another Sunday fixture, Murang’a SEALS played to a 0-0 draw against Bidco United at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.
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