This archive report was first published on 1 September 2019.
Published on September 1, 2019, Wazito FC's big spending ahead of the Kenyan Premier League season failed to yield the desired results as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nzoia Sugar in their season opener at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Parading an experienced squad, Wazito was expected to stroll to an easy victory, but the youthful Nzoia Sugar side had other plans. The Bungoma-based side, with over seven KPL debutantes, gave Wazito a run for their money.
Former Nzoia man Elvis Rupia came off the bench to save Wazito's blushes with a 70th-minute equaliser from the spot, after Collins Wakhungu's tap-in from Robert Arrot's brilliant delivery had given Nzoia the lead in the 54th minute.
Wazito technical director Stanley Okumbi was disappointed but glad to pick up a point, justifying their big off-season spending. He said, 'For me, it is simple. Signings don't win matches because other teams also made signings. For your information, we just signed players to replace those who were in the National Super League.'
Nzoia coach Collins Omondi, on the other hand, credited Wazito owner Ricardo Badoer's comments on social media for motivating his side. He said, 'From Wazito owner's post on social media, Wazito had won the game even before we play and that's exactly what motivated us.'
