NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 14- Wazito FC head coach Frank Ouna believes with the current set up, the club cannot compete with the rest of the teams in the National Super League and fight for promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.
Ouna, who also doubles up as the Harambee Stars assistant coach, says he will have talks with the club’s top hierarchy to look into matters of sponsorship and professionalizing the club.
The team is made up of former University of Nairobi students and Ouna says it has been difficult getting a full strength team in most of the matches.
“This team has a special challenge because even in the game (against Zoo Kericho) we missed like six starters because they couldn’t get permission from work. The team was formed by University students who have since graduated and now working and at the moment they are busy,” Ouna told Capital Sport after seeing his side play to a 2-2 draw with Zoo Kericho in a midweek match.
The tactician says he has been forced to re-think his season targets after encountering the challenge, but he is optimistic of better tidings next season. The side is currently placed 12th on the NSL standings on 33 points.
“When I came in I was very optimistic because I didn’t know the challenge I was expecting. Now our target is to remain in the league and look at winning as many matches as we can in the remaining 10 assignments,” Ouna offered.
“We need to sit down and relook the model and see what’s the best way to compete. Even in training sessions they come late from work and train 20 or 30 minutes and you play against teams which have put in double sessions at times. Physically, we can’t match.”
He however concedes it will be difficult to fully professionalize the club without getting solid sponsorship.
Elsewhere, NSL leaders Nzoia United are targeting only four wins in the remaining 10 games to assure themselves of a slot in next season’s Kenyan Premier League.
Chairman Yapets Mokua believes the team has what it takes and has ruled out wholesome changes to the squad once they earn a slot in the league.
“We cannot be overly confident but I know that we stand a very good chance. Just four wins and we will be safe,” said Mokua with the side currently 12 points ahead of second placed Nakumatt FC.
“We have a very good team of young players, most of who finished school in the last two years. I have faith in them and when we get promoted, it is the same team we will play with, maybe add one or two experienced strikers,” Mokua added.