Ulinzi coach on why he benched Harambee Stars midfielder in defeat to Homeboyz
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 26.10.25. | 15:48
The tactician admitted that Muchiri had not had sufficient rest since the end of the past season
Ulinzi Stars head coach, Dunstan Nyaudo, has disclosed that fatigue and load management was the key reason behind his decision to start Boniface Muchiri on the bench during their 3-1 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz, in Saturday’s 25 October FKF Premier League encounter.
The four-time league champions suffered their second defeat of the season ,and back-to-back losses following last week’s 2-1 fall to Mara Sugar.
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Ulinzi found themselves trailing in the opening half, prompting Nyaudo to summon the former Tusker FC talisman after the break.
Muchiri’s impact was immediate.
The Harambee Stars attacker reminded fans of his quality with a sumptuous volley from a free-kick that earned Ulinzi’s only goal of the match.
However, his strike proved a mere consolation as the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup winners, held firm to secure a convincing victory.
Speaking to Azam TV, after the match, Nyaudo clarified that benching Muchiri was not a tactical decision, but a precautionary move aimed at preserving the forward’s fitness after a long, uninterrupted spell of competitive action dating nearly close to over season and half.
"Muchiri is an experienced player and what I am trying to do is manage his recovery,” Nyaudo explained.
“He has not had proper rest for over a season now, so I am cautious with how I use him. You saw the difference he made when he came on, but I have to balance his recovery and game time.”
Reflecting on the team’s performance, the former Gor mahia player admitted that his side was “below par” in all departments and failed to capitalize on their opportunities ,unlike their opponents who were clinical in front of goal.
"It was a bad day in the office,” he conceded. “We did not play well across the pitch. Homeboyz created chances and took them, while we did not. Credit to them, they executed their plan effectively.”
The defeat, Ulinzi’s heaviest of the season, leaves them stuck on five points and 12th on the log after an opening-day 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal and subsequent barren draws against Kariobangi Sharks and Kenya Police FC.
With the poor run extending to three winless matches, the soldiers will be aiming for a quick turnaround when they face Bidco United on Wednesday, 29 October as they seek to bounce back to winning terms.
