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Ulizi Stars captain's message to fans after surviving relegation
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.06.26. | 08:50
The soldiers were forced to wait until the final day of the campaign to secure their top-flight status, ultimately surviving relegation after a narrow 1-0 victory over Posta Rangers
Ulinzi Stars captain Brian Birgen has appealed for patience and continued support from the club’s faithful as he pledged a stronger and more competitive showing in the upcoming season.
The Soldiers endured a testing season marked by inconsistency and prolonged struggles near the bottom of the table.
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Ulinzi were forced to wait until the final day of the campaign to secure their top-flight status, ultimately surviving relegation after a narrow 1-0 victory over Posta Rangers.
The result saw them finish 41 points, just three above the drop zone.
For the four-time Kenyan champions, a side once synonymous with dominance in the domestic top flight, the campaign reflected a worrying trend of decline, with the club spending large portions of recent seasons battling relegation rather than challenging for honours.
However, despite the setbacks, Birgen has insisted that the group remains focused on rebuilding and restoring pride in the badge.
Speaking in reflection on the team’s recent performances, the experienced defender admitted that the past two seasons have been particularly challenging, but maintained that the adversity has played a key role in strengthening the squad’s unity and resilience.
“The last two seasons have certainly been challenging for everyone associated with Ulinzi Stars and as players, we don't focus on speculation or outside conversations,” Birgen told Mozzart Sport.
“Our is always to represent the badge with pride and to compete at the highest level. During that difficult period, the dressing room remained united, the technical bench kept believing in us and every player understood the importance of fighting for the club.”
He added that the difficulties faced have helped shape the team’s mentality, insisting that the squad is determined to convert those lessons into improved performances in the new campaign.
“Those challenges brought us closer together, strengthened our character and reminded us what it means to wear the Ulinzi Stars jersey. We are determined to use those lessons as motivation to build a much stronger season ahead,” he added.
Birgen further called on supporters to remain firmly behind the team, stressing that their backing remains crucial as the club seeks to regain consistency and competitiveness in the league.
“As I can assure our fans that the squad is working extremely hard during preparations. There is a renewed sense of purpose, togetherness and determination within the team,” he said.
“We understand the expectations that come with representing Ulinzi Stars and our objective is to compete consistently, improve our performances and make our supporters proud. We ask our fans to continue standing with us because their support gives us extra motivation and together we believe we can achieve a much better season.”
The defender also addressed the club’s philosophy of integrating young players into the senior squad, defending the approach as a deliberate and necessary strategy for long-term development.
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He dismissed criticism suggesting that blending youth with experience had been a miscalculation, instead arguing that balance remains essential in modern football.
“I don't think it is fair to say it was a mistake trying to gel the young players with the senior players,” Birgen explained.
“Football is about finding the right balance between experience and youth. Young players bring energy, hunger and fresh ideas, while senior players provide leadership, composure and experience.”
He further emphasized that every player who earns a place in the squad must be trusted to contribute, regardless of age or experience.
“Every player who wears the Ulinzi Stars jersey earns that opportunity and has a role to play in the team's success,” he said.
As preparations for the new season continue, attention now turns to whether Ulinzi Stars can arrest their recent decline and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the FKF premier league.