Mombasa United coach Gilbert Selebwa has attributed the team’s poor away record to fatigue and injuries.
The club has lost all four away matches it has played so far, but remains unbeaten at home. The club lost 2-0 to 3K FC, 2-0 to Kisumu All Stars, 4-0 to Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA), and 1-0 to Nairobi City Stars on Tuesday.
“Our away struggles are mainly due to long travelling hours from Mombasa to the upcountry. This causes fatigue and injuries. Currently, five first-team players are out with injuries,” said the veteran tactician.
He, however, said they are working to change the trend, adding that the fringe players who have been given the opportunities to play have not disappointed.
“I have noted that the players, being inexperienced, lack confidence when playing away. I’m working on changing their character and strategies when approaching away games,” said Selebwa.
He noted that most of his players are playing in the second-tier league for the first time. “We have recorded positive results at home. I have told the players that there is no difference when playing at home and away,” noted the tactician.
Selebwa further urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to reschedule their games. He wants the FKF to have the team play two games in three days, for example, in Western Kenya or Nairobi, to save the club from travel costs and fatigue.
“The travelling cost is taking a toll on us. Every week, we are on the road. We want to have our fixtures redone. For example, we play one game on Saturday in Kisumu and the following Tuesday, we go to Vihiga or Kisii before travelling to Mombasa,” said the coach.
On Saturday, they host former FKF Premier League side Talanta FC before travelling to Migori to battle log leaders Migori Youth at Awendo Green Stadium on Friday next week.
Selebwa further noted that Mombasa United is among the contenders for the three SportPesa Premier League promotion slots.
“Mombasa United have been struggling in the league for the last three seasons. However, despite our away struggles, we are number two on the log. We want to maintain in the top three positions until the end of the season,” remarked Selebwa. Selebwa added, “Our objective this season is to qualify for the top-tier league."'
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