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Ulinzi Stars are rebuilding with renewed urgency after narrowly escaping relegation last season, with interim coach Mulinge Ndeto determined to turn the lessons of a difficult campaign into a stronger challenge when the 2026/27 Premier League season begins later this month.
The four-time champions survived on the final day after beating Posta Rangers 1-0, ending a turbulent campaign in which managerial changes, inconsistency and a lack of cutting edge left the military side dangerously close to the drop.
“We know the job is far from finished, but we’ll fight to the end to protect our status,” Ndeto said during last season’s survival battle, a message that continues to shape the club’s preparations for the new campaign.
Ulinzi have intensified their pre-season programme, with part of their preparations shifted to Kibra, Nairobi, where the technical bench has focused on fitness, tactical organisation and building cohesion within a squad undergoing significant changes.
Captain Brian Birgen has urged supporters to remain patient as the Soldiers attempt to put last season’s troubles behind them. “We appeal for patience and continued support from the club’s faithful as we prepare for a fresh start,” Birgen said, acknowledging the frustration that followed a campaign in which Ulinzi spent much of the season fighting for survival.
Ndeto, who took charge during the difficult run-in, believes the biggest lesson from last season was the need for consistency rather than isolated bursts of form.
“This is a good step for us, but it is only a step. Nothing is solved yet,” he said after a crucial victory over Nairobi United in March, warning his players against allowing a single positive result to breed complacency.
That philosophy has carried into pre-season, with Ulinzi using a series of demanding friendlies to assess their options and develop greater tactical stability.
They drew 1-1 with Posta Rangers on August 8 after losing 2-1 to KCB earlier in the month, while a goalless draw against Kenya Police provided another test of their defensive organisation.
However, the departure of Paul Okoth has left Ndeto with a major attacking headache. Okoth scored 18 league goals last season before joining champions Gor Mahia on a two-year deal.
The coach must now find a new attacking formula, with younger players expected to shoulder greater responsibility as the technical bench seeks to replace the goals that played a key role in Ulinzi’s survival.
Birgen admits last season fell below the standards associated with the club and says the players understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the Ulinzi jersey. “We feel the weight of this historic jersey,” the captain said during the survival fight, while calling for unity as the club seeks to rebuild confidence and reconnect with its supporters.
“Their voices will be our fuel on the pitch,” he added when appealing for stronger backing from fans. Ulinzi’s preparations have also coincided with wider structural changes, including plans to restore aspects of their operations to Lanet in Nakuru as the military side seeks to reinforce the discipline and organisation traditionally associated with the institution.
Ndeto wants the squad to rediscover Ulinzi’s attacking identity while maintaining the defensive discipline expected of the Soldiers. “Despite having a young squad, I know we are up to the task. I want our boys to believe we can survive this scare,” he said during last season’s relegation battle.
The Soldiers will continue their pre-season programme against lower-tier opposition, with matches against Kibera Soccer, Gogo Boys and Kibra United providing opportunities to assess emerging combinations and attacking options.
Their opening league assignment, however, will provide an immediate stern examination. Ulinzi will host domestic cup champions Tusker at Lang’ata Ulinzi Sports Complex on the opening weekend of August 29-30.
After last season’s ordeal, Ndeto knows the margin for error will be small and has demanded greater concentration, aggression and consistency from his players.
“We cannot afford highs and lows every week. If you want to survive, you must learn how to manage games and manage pressure,” he said.
For Ulinzi, the new campaign is therefore about more than avoiding another relegation battle. It is an opportunity to rebuild confidence, restore their identity and remind the league of the standards expected from the four-time champions.
