Bandari FC assistant coach Razak Siwa has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Saturday’s clash against Kariobangi Sharks at Mbaraki Stadium, demanding maximum points as they look to build momentum in the push for a maiden SportPesa League title.
The dockers find themselves in 10th place on 23 points, 10 adrift of leaders Gor Mahia.
Their visitors, Kariobangi Sharks, are enduring a torrid campaign and currently prop up the table with just 13 points.
Crucially, Bandari head into the encounter buoyed by a rich vein of form, having put together a five-game unbeaten run that has steadied their campaign.
That sequence has seen them grind out back-to-back draws against Gor Mahia (1-1) and Posta Rangers (0-0) before hitting their stride with three successive wins over Mathare United (1-0), Kakamega Homeboyz (2-1) and Tusker (2-1).
Siwa was quick to underline the weight of the fixture, viewing it as a springboard for a decisive run of games that could haul Bandari back into the title conversation.
“At the moment, it is just 10 points that are separating us from the top. Those are three games, so our main focus is putting more effort into our next three matches,” Siwa said.
“Our target is to get to the summit. We have to focus on our upcoming matches, which are against Sharks, Police and Shabana. Those are the matches in our minds currently. We need to ensure we get good points from those matches so that we can chase down the league leaders.”
Morale in the camp is sky-high, particularly after last weekend’s statement victory away to Tusker, a result that hardened their credentials.
“The morale in the camp is very high, especially after winning against Tusker away,” Siwa noted.
Competition for starting places has also intensified, with the tactician welcoming the selection headache ahead of the Sharks showdown.
“Every player is pushing themselves so that they can get the opportunity to feature in the game. The competition is very high currently in the squad,” he added.
Sharks, on the other hand, limp into the tie on a four-game winless run.
Their recent outings have yielded draws against Sofapaka (0-0) and Posta Rangers (1-1), alongside heavy defeats to Gor Mahia (4-1) and Kakamega Homeboyz (2-0).
Saturday’s contest promises to be finely poised, especially after the first-leg meeting between the two sides ended in a drab goalless draw.
Bandari, however, will draw confidence from their formidable home form.
This season, they have tasted defeat just twice at home, with a 3-1 loss to Nairobi United and a narrow 1-0 setback against APS Bomet.
The dockers have also strengthened their ranks in the transfer window, bringing in defender Herrit Mungai and Cameroonian defensive midfielder Bertrand Konfor.
“The new signings will have a feel of the pitch against Sharks in front of the home crowd,” he said.
The Bandari tactician rounded off his rallying call by urging supporters to flood Mbaraki and play their part as the proverbial 12th man.
“We hope our fans turn up in large numbers. They are the 12th man and their support is vital to us,” Siwa said. “We are optimistic that with our current run in the season, they will turn up to watch a good match. We will not let them down.”
by TEDDY MULEI
