Goal-shy attack and porous backline, challenges Juma faces as he takes over at Bullets

Juma Abdallah was on Tuesday named the new Vihiga Bullets head coach, taking over from Evans Mafuta who was shown the door after a spate of poor results.

Bullets are rock bottom in the log with just one point that they earned on matchday one in the barren draw against Bidco United at their Bukhungu Stadium backyard.

Juma believes the squad is capable of delivering good results. “This team has good players and I am confident that we can turn things around. I will first be getting to know the players, their strengths and weaknesses, and after which I will know how best to utilize and get the best out of them. I will also instil my philosophy in the team and we will soon be up and running,” he said after his appointment.

As he exudes confidence in turning things around for Vihiga we take at three major challenges he faces at the FKF Premier League newbies.

Financial challenges

Bullets are struggling financially, the players and other staff have not been paid a dime since the season started. A source from the team disclosed that a number of players struggling to raise bus fare to attend training sessions.

Taking charge of an unmotivated team could prove a tough task even for the best of coaches in the world. It will be difficult to get the best out of players who cannot cater for their basic needs let alone fend for their families. Juma will be hoping that the club gets a financial breakthrough soon.

Porous backline

Bullets have the worst backline in the league so far this season. They have let in 16 goals in six matches, which is almost an average of three goals per game. They have been so weak at the back to the extent that opponents look like scoring every time that they attack the newbies.

Fixing that leaky backline will top in the list of things that Juma will have to work on during this international break. With the transfer window closed, he will have to get the best out of the defenders at his disposal and hope that the team will still be having a fighting chance by the time the mid-season transfer window opens.

Goal-shy attack

Bullets have scored just two goals in the league this season, both coming against Kakamega Homeboyz. They have not been creating enough opportunities and that has been reflected in their goal tally. Juma has players like Rashid Kyambadde, Jessy Kajuba, Jackson Oketch, and Mike Isabwa at his disposal and he will have to work closely with them to ensure that they get goals for the team.

Unforgiving management

Mafuta was roughed up and assaulted after losing to Kariobangi Sharks in October. Juma should know that he has been brought on board to turn the team’s fortunes around and failure to which, the same office could turn against him.