Siwa talks up Bandari’s grit as dockers target Tusker scalp

Bandari FC head coach Razak Siwa is bullish that his side can stretch their four-match unbeaten run in the 2025/26 SportPesa League when they lock horns with Tusker on Saturday at St Sebastian Park.

‎The Dockers head into the clash riding a wave of confidence after piecing together an encouraging sequence of results, going unbeaten in their last four matches. ‎That sequence kicked off with a 1-1 stalemate against record champions Gor Mahia before the coastal outfit showed their defensive steel in a goalless draw against Posta Rangers. 

‎Bandari then signed off 2025 on a high, edging Mathare United 1-0 courtesy of Amza Moubarack’s spot kick. ‎Last weekend, Siwa’s charges underlined their growing resilience by grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz, with Mohamed Barisa and Moubarack once again getting on the scoresheet.

‎Those results have seen Bandari amass 20 points so far this season. However, they face a stern test against sixth-placed Tusker over the weekend. Siwa is confident his side will turn up with a clear plan and plenty of bite against the Brewers. ‎“Our next game we play away to Tusker. We will prepare a good game plan for the match against Tusker,” said Siwa.

‎‎Bandari’s optimism is underpinned by their impressive away form this season, having lost just twice on the road against Nairobi United (3-1) and APS Bomet (1-0). ‎The tactician was quick to credit the unity within his squad and the backing from the club’s management, factors he believes have been central to their steady rise.

‎‎“The unity in the team and the drive, as well as the support from the CEO, is what is pushing the team,” he said. ‎“I am confident better results are coming.”

Reflecting on the Homeboyz victory, Siwa pointed to his second-half tweaks as the turning point in a contest that demanded patience and character. ‎“The game was very tough, it was not easy. However, the boys pushed themselves and we were able to grind out a good result,” he said.

‎‎“We did not start the match well. It was in the second half that we started getting into the match after making a couple of substitutes.”

‎‎Siwa also rallied the club’s faithful, urging the 12th man to keep backing the team as the season gathers pace. “We hope our Bandari fans can continue to support us,” he added. ‎Tusker, meanwhile, come into the fixture wounded after a humbling 4-0 defeat to AFC Leopards. 

‎Despite that setback, recent history favours the Brewers, who had the upper hand in last season’s meetings. Tusker edged the first leg 1-0 through Thomas Omole before the return fixture ended in a goalless stalemate.