This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
Published on November 4, 2019, by Philip Onyango, a keen observer of Kenyan football.
Bandari Football Club has been making waves in the local and continental scene, with impressive displays that have left fans loving every minute of it. However, beneath the surface, there lies a major concern that threatens to undermine the team's progress.
The striking force, which should be the backbone of the team, has been wanting. This has resulted in the team chasing games most of the time after conceding first and squandering clear goal-scoring opportunities.
It's not just a matter of being wasteful in front of goal; the team's inability to start games on the front foot has also been a major issue. This has created pressure on the players, making it difficult for them to settle and control play.
The continental games have exposed Bandari's major weaknesses, with the away games in Tunisia and Horoya being prime examples. In these games, the team conceded early, creating pressure that is not acceptable for a team of Bandari's ambitions.
Despite the exposure the team has received, thanks to club patron Daniel Manduku, who ensured the team went to South Africa for preseason training and participated in several build-up matches, the team still needs a lethal striker to complete the formidable Bandari side.
A striker who can bring the balance the team badly needs must be adept at forging relationships with those supporting him, while also being the first line of defence. This is a skillset that Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Carlos Tevez have mastered, and it's time for Bandari's technical team to up their game and have different attacking options.
