Bandari Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Kibwana has revealed why club head coach Kennedy Odhiambo missed last weekend’s league clash against FC Talanta.The Dockers, considered as one of the league title contenders, shockingly lost 3-2 to the struggling Talanta on Saturday at Mbaraki Stadium to remain nine points off the pace.The unexplained absence of Odhiambo, who had been a subject of discussion throughout the week, from the Bandari bench caught the attention of some keen fans at Mbaraki.##NAJAVA_MECA_8713193##However, Kibwana has come out to dispel rumours on the absence of the tactician, and his potential future at the club, saying that he was granted permission to visit his family in Europe.”Coach Ken requested for a week’s leave to attend to a personal family matter out of the country. He will be back over the weekend,” responded Kibwana in a text message, when pressed on the issue. Despite the loss to Talanta and the nine point gap between them and log leaders Kenya Police, the administrator backed Odhiambo to guide the club to its first major title since 2019.’I lost my passport’: Gor Mahia midfielder explains absence from Tusker drawBandari clinched the Mozzart Bet Cup, formerly known as Shield Cup in 2019, beating Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in the final staged at Kasarani Stadium. Kibwana believes that Odhiambo is qualified and experienced enough to get the job done this season and engineer the club’s return to continental football. “We have not lost hope as far as winning a silverware in the season is concerned. We are confident of recovering from the defeat against Talanta and achieving our targets,” he said. Meanwhile, Kibwana disclosed that the club is in the hunt for a new goalkeeper in the ongoing mid-season transfer window. Kibwana said an injury to first choice custodian Bryne Omondi has compelled the management to return to the transfer market which closes at the end of the month. ” We are satisfied with our transfer business so far although, we need a new goalkeeper. We lost our top keeper to an injury that will keep him out for a while,” he added. AFC Leopards sign Ugandan goalkeeperBandari have so far signed Harambee Stars centre back Dennis Ng’ang’a, former ‘Golden Boot’ winner John Makwata and defensive midfielder Clifford Ouma. The three joined the coastal team from Zanaco, Coastal Union and Nairobi City Stars respectively.
