Mara Sugar coach Edward Manoah has expressed deep frustration over what he describes as a growing trend of home fans turning against their own team during matches played at Awendo Stadium.
The long-serving tactician believes that a section of supporters has deliberately abandoned the club, choosing instead to cheer for visiting teams a situation he says has negatively affected the team’s performance at home.
Manoah did not hold back as he revealed the struggles his side faces whenever they play at home, citing fan hostility and targeted criticism toward certain individuals within the squad.
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Mara Sugar coach Edward Manoah has expressed deep frustration over lack of home support
“Playing at home has been very hard for us because some people have simply decided not to support the team,” Manoah said. “They come to our home matches targeting individuals. I hope our win against Mathare United changes their mentality.”
Despite being one of the strongest teams away from home in the SportPesa League this season, Mara Sugar have suffered all three of their defeats at Awendo Stadium. Manoah is convinced the poor home run is a direct result of the lack of backing from their supporters.
“We have been playing very well at home, but it has become very difficult because of off-the-field issues, especially from a section of fans who are not helping the team in any way,” he added. “Hopefully, we will all come back to our senses and see the bigger picture.”
Mara Sugar currently sit ninth in the SportPesa League standings, having won three matches including a famous 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards alongside five draws and three defeats. Manoah welcomed constructive criticism but urged fans to refrain from personal attacks.
“As coaches, we welcome criticism. Criticism should be there when the team doesn’t play well. It is good to point out what is not going right,” he explained. “But when you hate individuals for no reason ,maybe because you don’t like them it becomes difficult. Some of us did not come to Mara to please anybody.”
The experienced coach urged supporters to avoid targeting individuals, insisting that such actions destroy the spirit of unity needed for success.
Manoah further encouraged Mara Sugar fans to emulate the passion displayed during the 98th Mashemeji Derby, where fans rallied behind their teams as Julius Masaba’s 24th-minute strike secured a historic win for Afc Leopards against Gor Mahia.
“Look at the Gor Mahia vs Afc Leopards,fans rallying behind their teams.That is what Kenyan football is all about,fans standing with their teams,” he said. “In our case, our own people rally against us. We should have the 12th man, but instead it feels like our opponents are given that advantage.”
With Kariobangi Sharks set to visit Awendo Stadium on Saturday, 13th December at 3 PM, Coach Manoah hopes that the home fans will finally stand with the team and give them the support they desperately need.