Mara Sugar technical director Bonface Ambani has backed the side to maintain the good start in the season and compete for titles despite the club being new in the Kenyan top tier.
The club has had an incredible start to life at the highest level, winning four out of the seven league matches played so far, a run that has placed them second behind KCB on the log. Additionally, Mara have tasted defeat once and drawn twice and have the third meanest defence after that of Bandari and Kenya Police as the club has conceded a paltry three goals.
Mara secured automatic promotion to the top tier, alongside Mathare United, after clinching the National Super League title last season. The club was largely expected to struggle in blending in and getting results against the top sides but they have proven themselves equal to the task to the point of giving Ambani hopes of claiming a title this season.
The Narok-based outfit will not only have eyes on the league title but the Mozzart Bet Cup, a competition they reached the round of 16 last season.
TEAM DETERMINED TO WRITE HISTORY
While the majority of the teams that gain promotion to the top tier primarily strive to maintain their status at the highest level, Ambani says Mara have the capacity to win a title. The former Kenyan international argues that the players, stationed at the club, possess winning culture and mentality which he termed as key ingredients for the hunt for a title.
Ambani, who has been vocal on Kenyan football, said he had instilled confidence in the playing unit with their response on the pitch giving him hopes that a title parade will be held in the streets of Narok.
“It is very possible to win a title in our maiden season in the top tier. We have instilled a winning culture and mentality in the team and the results are there for all to see. The players understand that we are in the top level to compete rather than to participate,” he said in a telephone interview with SportsBoom.
Sofapaka remains the sole club to disrupt the existing order by winning the league title in its first season in the Premier League in recent memory. Ambani, believes that Mara have the mettle to replicate what Sofapaka did in 2009 given the balance and believe in the team.
“We retained at least 85% of the players who won the NSL last season. These are players who know what winning a title means and the fight one has to input to achieve it. We are basically a balanced team as we brought in few players, who have raised the levels for us,” he added.
PLAN TO CONSTRUCT MINI STADIUM
Covering long distances for both home and away matches is considered a major factor that might ruin Mara’s good start in the league.
The club hosts home league matches at the Awendo Green Stadium which is more than 30 kilometres from their training base at Enoosaen. The Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok offers the club an option but distance between the two towns leaves Awendo as the viable alternative.
To help solve the issue of fatigue, lack of home support and loss of revenue, Ambani revealed that the club intends to construct a mini stadium in Enoosaen.
“We are better off hosting league matches in Awendo as Ole Ntimama Stadium is more than 200 kilometers from us. Awendo is approximately 30 kilometers from our base, which makes it an ideal host for our matches,” he said.
“Much as we are used to traveling, we have to build our own facility to connect with our fans and enjoy good home advantage in matches. We will collaborate with the community to see where best we will have our permanent home.”
With the sugar industry suffering a major economic hit, Ambani said the club, which enjoys support from the TransMara Sugar Company, was casting its net wider to secure additional funding. Recently, it emerged that the Nzoia Sugar Company had cut financial ties with Nzoia Sugar Football Club due to the diminishing profits from the business.
In the past years, Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar have had to disband their teams due to lack of funds.
“We are aware of the importance of having various sources of income and partners. We will do our best to increase our pool of finances as it is expensive to run a team,” he said.
INSPIRATION BEHIND GOOD START
Meanwhile, coach George Midenyo has outlined reasons behind their positive start in the season.
The CAF A license holder said lack of superstars in the team has been a blessing in disguise as all players give their best for the sake of the team. He also pointed to the effect of winning as many matches in the second tier has been having on the team.
“We do not have superstars in the team which makes it easy to coach the boys. Everyone gives his best and strives to remain fit throughout. Having a short break between last season and the current one has helped a lot as the team did not lose focus or winning momentum,” said the former striker.
