This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, Kisumu County Government Sports Minister Achia Alai has called for patience from fans as Kisumu All Stars face a slow start to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).
After being promoted to the top tier following their second-place finish in the National Super League (NSL) last season, All Stars have struggled to find their footing, going winless in their first four matches.
The team, affectionately known as Otenga, suffered their third consecutive loss at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu over the weekend, falling 2-1 to Western Stima.
Coach Henry Omino, who took over from Francis Oduor, is yet to secure a win since assuming the role.
However, Alai has come to the defense of the veteran coach, insisting that the team will eventually improve.
"We cannot react and dismiss the coach and technical bench because we have not won any match," Alai told Nation Sport. "The issue is not about the coach or total overhaul of the squad as some people are trying to portray it. We have been discussing ways of improving and getting good results with the coach and technical bench, and we believe things will get better."
Alai also addressed concerns over the team's salary payments, attributing the delay to the national government's failure to disburse funds to counties in a timely manner due to differences between the Senate and National Assembly on the Division of Revenue bill.
Furthermore, Alai clarified reports of bad blood between Kisumu All Stars and Gor Mahia, stating that the two clubs have since resolved their issues and enjoy a good relationship.
