Posta Rangers captain Bernard Ondiek in action during a preseason match/HANDOUT
The club finished 15th with 40 points from 34 matches, scoring 31 goals, prompting a major overhaul of the squad during the off-season. More than a dozen players have been brought in as Otieno seeks to address the weaknesses that left the team battling for survival.
“It is difficult because, as a coach, you need time to execute your plan. Last season it was a crash programme, which we were trying very hard to adapt,” Zico said, reflecting on his return to the club in April when Posta Rangers were deep in the relegation fight.
Unlike last season, the coach has had a full pre-season to work with his players and introduce his preferred approach. He believes the extra preparation has given him an opportunity to establish a more organised and attack-minded team.
“Now we have had enough time to work on our philosophy, and we want it to take root properly in the team,” he said.
The lack of goals has been one of the club’s biggest concerns. With only 31 goals last term, the Mailmen have strengthened several areas in an attempt to improve their attacking output while also adding depth across the squad.
Midfielder Isaac Wasambo has returned to the top flight from Kariobangi Legends, while goalkeeper Peter Fredrick Odhiambo has joined from Shabana. Winger Rodgers Oporia Angal arrived from KCB, with experienced midfielder Jackson Macharia joining from Kenya Police.
Elvis Osok has returned after a one-year spell at Shabana, while Bernard Odhiambo, Kevin Simiyu and Gor Mahia loanee Mark Shabaan are also among the new arrivals.
“We needed to strengthen the areas where we were weak, and that is why we brought in these players,” Zico said.
The rebuilding has also meant departures. Peter James Oudu has moved to Mathare United, Shami Mwinyi joined Nairobi United and Patilah Omoto returned to Kariobangi. Brian Otieno has signed for Kenya Police, while Felix Oluoch has moved to Gor Mahia.
The enlarged squad is expected to give the coach more options while increasing competition for places. Otieno wants players to fight for their positions rather than assume they are guaranteed starters.
“Competition for places is very important because every player must know that his position is not guaranteed,” he said.
The tactical emphasis has shifted towards a more balanced and attacking style, with pace on the wings and creativity in midfield expected to play a bigger role. At the same time, the team has worked on defensive concentration after surrendering points from winning positions last season.
Captain Dicken Mwema previously identified lapses in concentration during the closing stages as a recurring problem, and the coach wants that weakness eliminated.
“We cannot afford to keep giving away points because of mistakes in the final minutes. Concentration must be there until the final whistle,” Zico said.
The Mailmen's preparations included a goalless draw against newly promoted Mombasa United before they edged Tusker 2-1 in their final friendly.
While the victory provided encouragement ahead of the new campaign, Otieno insists results in warm-up matches are secondary to ensuring his players understand the team's tactical demands.
“We are not looking at the friendly results alone. What matters is whether the players are understanding what we want them to do,” he said.
Posta Rangers were scheduled to open their league campaign against Shabana at Wang'uru Stadium, but FKF postponed the opening round amid the continuing dispute over promotion and relegation regulations and consultations involving clubs and sponsors.
The delay has disrupted the start of the season but has also provided the technical bench with additional time to work with the new-look squad.
The club's immediate target is a top-five finish, with the management expecting a significant improvement on last season's 15th-place finish. Otieno, meanwhile, wants his side to compete with the leading teams rather than settle for another season of survival.
“We want to compete. We are not going into the league just to participate; we want to challenge the teams at the top,” he said.
For Posta Rangers, the challenge now is to translate the extensive squad changes and months of preparation into results once competitive action resumes.
“Our target is to finish in the top five, and we have to work every day to achieve that,” he said.
