National Super League (NSL) side SS Assad continues to struggle this season, with head coach Phelix Ogutu attributing part of the team’s poor performance to referees asking for bribes.Assad currently sits 18th on the 20-team table with 12 points from 14 matches, raising concerns about their ability to remain in the second tier next season.Ogutu, who joined the club from the now-defunct Mombasa Elite, was initially tasked with making the team competitive and securing one of the three promotion slots.##NAJAVA_MECA_8615305##Despite a promising start with three wins in their first four games, the team’s form has dipped drastically, managing just one victory in their last ten league outings.Before the festive break, Assad suffered a string of defeats, including a 3-1 loss to Mully Children Family (MCF).Prior to that, they were beaten 2-1 by Darajani Gogo, Dimba Patriots, and Luanda Villa, with their only win in that period coming in a narrow 1-0 derby victory over Mombasa Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609901##The team also fell to Fortune Sacco, Kibera Black Stars, Kisumu All Stars, Migori Youth, and APS Bomet.Ogutu expressed frustration with match officiating, accusing some referees of bias against teams that do not offer bribes.“Poor and biased officiating has cost us many games. There are referees who openly state that we cannot win games because we don’t offer bribes. This has made things even harder for us,” he lamented.The tactician also has now urged the club’s management to invest in new players during the upcoming transfer window.“We are not where we wanted to be when the season began. We missed the mark in our signings, relying too much on local players who, unfortunately, have not delivered. This has made it difficult for me to establish a consistent starting eleven,” he told Mozzart Sport.Stars Abroad: Tough outings for Kenyan duo in ScotlandHe further highlighted the team’s lack of firepower in attack.“To be honest, we don’t have a lethal striker. Out of the 14 matches played, none of our goals have come from strikers. Most of our goals have been scored by defenders, with only two goals coming from our number 7. Despite creating numerous chances, we fail to convert, while opponents punish us with the few chances they get.”Assad has struggled offensively since losing their key striker Alex Kazungu, who joined Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA).The mid-season departure of several key players further weakened the team, compounding their problems.Gor Mahia to use new stadium for home matchesLooking ahead, Ogutu has set his sights on rebuilding the squad by bringing in players willing to fight for the club.“With the transfer window approaching, I am actively searching for strikers and players who can help us turn things around. I want players who are ready to play for the badge.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8614929##Assad will return to action this weekend when they face fellow strugglers Vihiga United at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.The match presents a crucial opportunity for Ogutu’s side to end their poor run and reignite their fight for survival in the league.
