Relegation-threatened Ulinzi Stars FC have taken a bold step to rally support for their survival fight, announcing free entry for Wednesday’s crucial SportPesa League clash against Tusker FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The soldiers sit 16th on the table with 32 points from 31 matches. With the season entering its final stretch, every remaining fixture now carries major survival implications.
Their recent form has been inconsistent. A 2-0 defeat to AFC Leopards exposed ongoing attacking struggles, following a goalless draw with Shabana FC. Wins over Bandari and KCB briefly lifted morale, but consistency has remained elusive.
Captain Bryan Birgen has urged unity as pressure mounts, calling on supporters to turn up in numbers and lift the team in a decisive moment of the season.
“We feel the weight of this historic jersey,” Birgen said, admitting recent results have fallen short of expectations. “We know we have let our supporters down in recent weeks,” he added.
He called for maximum fan support at home.
“Their voices will be our fuel on the pitch,” Birgen said.
Despite the struggles, he insisted belief remains within the squad.
“The fight is far from over,” he added.
Birgen also welcomed the club’s decision to waive entry fees, describing it as a key boost ahead of the fixture.
Head coach Mulinge Ndeto has similarly acknowledged the pressure, stressing that tactical discipline will be vital against Tusker.
“The defeat against AFC Leopards was a bitter pill to swallow because we lacked clinical edge,” Ndeto said.
He admitted the club’s position does not reflect its stature.
“We are in a position that does not reflect the stature of this club, and the pressure is firmly on us,” he said.
Ndeto said training has focused on improving defensive structure and transition play ahead of the must-win encounter.
“Against Tusker, we must be perfect,” he said. “We have worked on our defensive shape and transition play,” he added.
Tusker arrive in Nairobi seventh on the table with 44 points from 31 matches, still pushing for a strong finish to the season.
The Brewers have shown steady form, including a 2-0 league win over Bidco United and a penalty shootout victory in the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup.
Head coach Julien Mette warned that Ulinzi’s desperation makes them dangerous opponents.
“Ulinzi is a wounded animal right now, and that makes them very dangerous,” he said.
He added that Tusker must remain disciplined despite the hostile atmosphere expected from a free-entry crowd.
With survival on the line for Ulinzi and pride at stake for Tusker, Wednesday’s clash promises high tension and high stakes.
