Bandari have handed current coach John Baraza an improved contract and promoted Jerim Onyango to be his assistant.The move is in reciprocation for the team’s good performance in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).Bandari are currently placed in fourth position on the log after collecting 30 points in the last 18 matches. Their latest result was an away draw against Kakamega Homeboyz last weekend.According to club chairman Twaha Mbarak, the head coach will enjoy an improved remuneration to keep him happy enough to maintain the team’s good performance.“He has done well as our head coach and we felt it is best to reward his effort with a better contract,” he said.He announced that Onyango apart from being Baraza’s assistant will also double up as the goalkeeper trainer.“They have a great working relationship and we want it to continue that way,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_7805770##Baraza joined Bandari as assistant to Twahir Muhiddin but was promoted to take over after about three months as the team seemed to struggle under Muhiddin.He was among coaching personnel brought on board by Muhiddin who has since resumed his previous duty as Technical Director. Baraza and Onyango are both former internationals who have transitioned into coach.At the same time Bandari have officially unveiled their new signings at a brief ceremony at Mbaraki Stadium on Wednesday.Those unveiled include former KCB players’ goalkeeper Brian Omondi and midfielder Apollo Otieno.Others also unveiled are Mohammed Balisa from Nzoia, David Sakwa from Kiminini, Hamisi Hassan from Ashtone Rangers, Abraham Tumwa from Mombasa Elite.Two other players promoted from Bandari Youth David Wanyama and Willy Mutua were also unveiled. Ange among seven new players at Mathare UnitedBandari play Kariobangi Sharks at home this Saturday hoping to bounce back to winning ways. Skipper Andrew Juma has expressed confidence in their title aspirations, emphasizing the crucial role of home matches. The Mombasa-based team has established Mbaraki as a fortress, securing seven wins in ten home games this season. Juma, a consistent presence in the defense, believes their ten-point gap to the league leaders, Gor Mahia, is manageable.He emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on their home advantage for a serious title challenge. “I am certain we stand a chance to be title contenders because we are only ten points adrift from the summit. The second leg got underway last weekend, and with 16 matches to play for, I believe it is an opportunity to close in on Gor Mahia. We have been solid and collected the most maximum points at home, and I am confident that for us to mouth a serious hunt for the title, we definitely have to make good use of our advantage by winning our home matches,” stated the soft-spoken defender.”We have had a good run, and I must give credit to the coaching staff for their consistent efforts in making sure we are where we are currently. It has not been an easy walk in the park, but I am delighted that the work put behind the closed doors is definitely paying off. As a playing unit, we have to continue doing our part in order to repay the trust bestowed on us,” he added.
