The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clash against Posta Rangers in the 27th round of matches has been moved to Bukhungu Stadium.
The clash was initially scheduled to be staged at Camp Toyoyo in Nairobi on Saturday 18th August but the hosts, Posta Rangers, have opted to have it in Kakamega instead.
This is a change head coach Dunstan Nyaudo will welcome, having already played Kakamega Homeboyz at the venue and picked win, and with another game at the venue still in line – when Ulinzi Stars play Riverplate in the SportPesa Shield quarters.
“We are okay with the change; it is a good pitch and a great stadium and we will be hoping for a good result then,” he said.
In the meantime, preparation continue for the coming game against Sony Sugar at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday 12th August.
The team resumed training on Tuesday following the heartbreaking loss to Sofapaka in Narok on Sunday 5th August and will play a friendly game on Thursday at Afraha as part of the preparations.
Assistant captain Hassan Mohamed has linked up with the team ahead of the weekend game and will be hoping to reclaim his place but the coach will still miss defender Eugene Ochieng and midfielder Oscar Injika.
Meanwhile, Nyaudo has called on his charges to work smarter, following the 0 – 1 loss to Sofapaka on Sunday 5th August, which marked the first loss for the team since June, the coach lamented at the missed chances and the late concession.
Umaru Kasumba’s late goal at Narok County Stadium proved a sucker punch for Ulinzi Stars, who had a fair share of open chances, especially in the first half, but couldn’t hit the target.
The defeat came on the back of a barren draw with Nzoia Sugar, leaving the team with just one point from the last two matches and the coach admitted that the rate at which the team is dropping points is worrying.
“I am a little bit worried about the points we are dropping, and definitely the chances we are missing; in this game alone we had four good chances in the first half but missed all and we were punished very late on.
“Last week we dropped two points in similar fashion, and honestly I would have loved to pick even one point against Sofapaka but sometimes this is a crazy game. They have beaten us home and away and it is really a concern,” he said.
Ulinzi Stars should have taken a comfortable lead to the break, while goalkeeper Jacktone Odhiambo was also on hand with some big saves in the first half, and while the coach lauded the team for an impressive display, he picked out attack as the area to be worked on.
“Despite that we played so well, all the departments worked and it is only that we did not turn in our chances. It is worrying me a lot and this is one area we are going to have to dedicate a lot of effort,” he added.