Ulinzi head coach explains why FKFPL leading scorer missed Nairobi United's showdown
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 12.01.26. | 13:07
Okoth, the league’s top scorer with nine goals, was a notable absentee as Ulinzi shared the spoils with the league newcomers
Ulinzi Stars coach Stephen Ochola has explained the absence of his leading striker, Paul Okoth Odhiambo, from Sunday’s FKF Premier League match against Nairobi United, which ended in a 1–1 draw at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Okoth, the league’s top scorer with nine goals, was a notable absentee as Ulinzi shared the spoils with Naibois.
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Duncan Omala gave the visitors the lead before Edward Odhiambo struck back to earn the Soldiers a point.
Despite the draw, Ulinzi remain in a precarious position near the bottom of the table with 17 points, just one above bottom-placed Kariobangi Sharks.
In recent weeks, Odhiambo’s future at the club has been the subject of speculation, with AFC Leopards, Kenya Police FC and Gor Mahia all reportedly interested in signing him.
Ulinzi had previously accused rival clubs of unsettling the player, with his earlier omission from matchday squads having been linked to uncertainty over his future.
However, Ochola clarified after the match that Okoth’s absence was purely due to illness.
“He has been unwell, and we did not want to risk his health. He has been recovering since returning from the festive break, but we have other players who can step in,” said the coach.
Ochola also described the result against United as positive, given their strong recent form and quality in the squad.
“To me, this is a positive result considering the run our opponents have been on and the quality they have,” he said. “This is a point we have earned. Coming from a goal down to secure an equaliser is a big plus for us.”
Ulinzi have brought in young players in the ongoing January transfer window.
Joseph Nyale and Mwinyi Chibato have joined from the youth team as part of a strategy to inject more energy into the squad.
“We want to play high-intensity football, and we will depend on the young generation to give us the intensity we need,” Ochola added.
Ulinzi will next face Mathare United on Friday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with Ochola expecting a tough contest.
“It will not be an easy match, especially after they lost to Murang’a Seal, but we will be ready for the challenge,” he said.
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