Baraza unfazed by missing trio, confident of positive results

Bandari head coach John Baraza is optimistic that this team will maintain its good run despite being dealt a serious blow following the long-term injuries picked up by three of his key players.

The club confirmed that the duo of Siraj Mohamed and Shariff Majabe underwent surgeries on Wednesday, with Beja Nyamawi following suit on Friday afternoon.

The three have been getting playing time under Baraza, who assumed the head coaching role last month after Twahir Muhiddin resigned.

Bandari have been enjoying a run of good form under Baraza, as the team has won four out of the five matches played to move to three points within the reach of Posta Rangers.

Baraza reckons that the players tasked with replacing the injured ones are equal to the task, and that the team will not witness a dip in form.

"It is a big blow to lose three key players to injuries. We wish them a speedy recovery. I have full trust that the players who will get playing time in the absence of the three will deliver. We have the depth to navigate through," said Baraza.

The former Sofapaka coach is expected to field either Swaleh Pamba or Michael Apudo at left back for the time Siraj will be out.

Fast-rising midfielder Joseph Otieno is the most likely candidate to pick up where Majabe left, with the return of Umaru Kasumba being positive news as the Ugandan will fill the gap left by Nyamawi.

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Bandari are set to play FC Talanta this weekend in a game that Baraza has termed tough, owing to their opponent's recent form.

Talanta are a point behind the Dockers, and three points this weekend will place them in the top three should the teams above them drop points.

"We are anticipating a tough encounter as Talanta is in form. They have good players as well," added the former Kenyan international.