Mara Sugar gaffer Benedict Wanjala has attributed their recent struggles to loss of key first-team players.The league debutants had a dream start to life in their maiden top-flight season, where they lost once in the opening nine matches while winning four and drawing the same.However, the Kilgoris-based side experienced a torrid run of performance where they managed three wins whilst losing nine.Shabana confirm acquisition of two former players in busy transfer windowThe downward performance saw Mara drop from top half places to the second half of the table standings, as they are currently placed 11th.However, Wanjala attributes Mara’s struggles to lengthy injury layoffs of key first-team starters. Lead striker Denise Cheruyiot, defender Drona Langa, and offensive attacker Samuel Odaro had been missing in action after sustaining injuries.Wanjala believes had the trio been fit, they would have performed better than their current run.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720182##”We had a couple of injuries, with three unavailable. Their absence massively affected us and is the main reason behind our struggles.We are glad, though they have all returned, and I am optimistic they will impact the team’s performance,” Wanjala explained.Additionally, the former APS Bomet coach disclosed Mara will be aiming for a top-half finish at the end of their maiden FKF-PL season.The 2023-24 NSL champions are placed 11th on the 18-team log with 25 points, two shy of Ulinzi Stars, who are tenth on the table.Mathare United head coach singles player for praise after Shabana drawMara suffered their tenth defeat of the season at home to visiting AFC Leopards on Saturday, 15th February, which denied them a chance to close in on top-half positions.”We have not had a good run lately, and with competition getting stiffer as the league heightens up, we are looking at ending the campaign in the top ten, which will be a good finish in our maiden season,” Wanjala remarked.The Trans Mara Sugar-funded side will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways when they play FC Talanta on Wednesday, 18 February, at Machakos Stadium.
