'We are not here to donate points' - Bandari coach confident ahead of season opener
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 19.09.25. | 21:39
The Dockers face Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, 20 September, at Kasarani Annex
Bandari FC head coach Ken Odhiambo has fired a strong warning to opponents ahead of the new 2025/26 league season, declaring that his side will be fighting for every available point as they seek to mount a serious title challenge.
Since their promotion to the top tier in 2011, the Dockers have consistently established themselves as a formidable side, but the league crown has remained elusive.
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Their closest attempts came in 2018 and 2019 when they finished runners-up in successive campaigns, with 2019 culminating in a Mozzart Bet Cup victory.
Fourteen years later, the Mombasa-based outfit are once again setting their sights on the coveted silverware.
Speaking to Citizen Digital ahead of their season opener against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, 20 September, at Kasarani Annex, Odhiambo expressed confidence that his team is well prepared.
"We are not here to donate points; we are here to win every point and make our fans proud,” he asserted.
The clash promises to be an exciting encounter, pitting two sides known for their attacking flair.
Sharks have in recent years proven themselves tough competitors, but Bandari hold recent bragging rights, having secured back-to-back 2-1 and 2-0 wins over the William Muluya-coached side.
“Sharks don’t sit back; they always come forward. It will be end-to-end action, but if we execute our plan, we will walk away with all three points,” Odhiambo said confidently.
The former Harambee Stars assistant coach revealed that a rigorous pre-season laid the foundation for their campaign.
Bandari pitched camp at Mashuru Complex in Kajiado before capping their preparations with a high-profile friendly against Tanzanian giants Yanga during the Siku ya Wanainchi celebrations, where they narrowly lost 1-0.
That fixture provided a first glimpse of the Dockers’ new signings, including Congolese goalkeeper Allain Ngeleka, striker Amza Mubarak, Naaman Balecho, Mohammed Katana, Eric Mulu, Said Tsuma, Ally Yusuf, and former AFC Leopards shot-stopper Levis Opiyo.
They have been further boosted by the return of Hassan Abdalla, Darius Msagha, Boniface Mwangemi, and Omar Somobwana from various stints away.
Odhiambo believes the mix of new talent and experienced returnees gives his squad a fresh dimension, adding: “It was a good bonding experience and a confidence booster. The Yanga game helped me settle on my starting eleven.”
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