Okoth urges fans to keep faith despite fourth winless game

Gucha Stars coach Sammy Okoth has appealed to the club’s supporters not to lose faith in the team despite a difficult run in the National Super League (NSL).

The side has gone four matches without a win for the first time since earning promotion, with the latest setback coming on Saturday when they lost 1–0 to Kabati Youth at Gusii Stadium.

Amos Mbogo scored the decisive goal in the second half to hand the Murang’a-based side their fifth victory of the season and their first away win. The defeat compounded a tough week for Gucha, who were also dealt a blow after the Football Kenya Federation’s Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded Mombasa United their abandoned fixture. The match, played on December 20, was called off following a dispute over kickoff time.

Frustration spilt over during the Kabati Youth game as a section of fans walked out before full time to express their displeasure. “I appeal to the fans to continue supporting us. This is a young team that was promoted to the NSL when the league had already started. We are building this team, and they need to rally behind us fully,” Okoth said.

Looking ahead to the second leg of the season, Okoth expressed optimism that results would improve. “As we approach the second leg, I want to assure fans that things will change. We are in the process of strengthening the squad after the departure of Hillary Wandera to APS Bomet and Vincent Nyabuto to MOFA,” he said.

He admitted Nyabuto’s absence was keenly felt against Kabati Youth. “We wasted several scoring chances, including a last-minute penalty. Nyabuto was our designated penalty taker and has never missed from six yards,” Okoth noted after Steve Odongo failed to convert from the spot. However, the coach acknowledged that financial constraints could limit their recruitment options.

Kabati Youth coach Haji Bilal praised his players for executing their game plan. “The boys played according to instructions. I told them to fight for at least a draw, but the win is a bonus,” Bilal said.

He added that the club plans to strengthen the squad before the mid-season transfer window closes. “We have already signed one player, and five more are on the way. Our target is to maintain our status in the NSL this season, then maybe next year fight for promotion,” he said.

Elsewhere, Mombasa United boosted their SportPesa League promotion hopes after beating hosts Vihiga United 3–1 for their first away win of the season. Peter Mbunya, Jackson Marua and Lenny Menza were on target for Gilbert Selebwa’s side, while Patrick Okulo scored the consolation for Vihiga.

The Mombasa United players dedicated the victory to their late assistant coach Andrew Kanuli, who was buried on Friday after passing away following an illness.

In other matches played on Saturday, FC Talanta and Equity Bank played out a goalless draw at Ruaraka Stadium, while Kibera Black Stars and Naivas FC shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at Gems Cambridge College in Nairobi.