Bandari have been dealt a major blow in their quest to maintain the perfect start as their skipper has been ruled out for the rest of the season.Coach Kennedy Odhiambo told Mozzart Sport that the club will have to do without the services of Andrew Juma for the remainder of the season, following a knee injury picked while in action against Sofapaka.Odhiambo revealed that Juma tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and is expected to undergo surgery later in the month.##NAJAVA_MECA_8486562##The tactician regretted the lengthy absence of the left-footed centre-back whom he termed a strong pillar in the defence and one of the most composed defenders in the league.“Unfortunately, our captain will miss the rest of the season. It is a big blow considering that he is a key player and brings a lot of composure in the back line,” said the Harambee Stars assistant coach.Bandari have the meanest defence so far in the season, as the coastal darlings have conceded a single goal in the six matches played.The 2019 Mozzart Bet Cup winners are the only unbeaten side in the season alongside Kenya Police, who have conceded two goals in four matches.STARS ABROAD: Ouma scores own goal in Elfsborg draw as Wilson comes off bench for TNSDespite losing Juma, Odhiambo remains optimistic about keeping the fire burning, given the depth he has at the rear.“Having Juma in the team helps us build from the back comfortably. He played a significant role in the solid start we have had. We, however, have replacements who are equal to the task. We might sign a defender in January depending on how the team will cope without Juma,” he said.Harambee Stars ditch Uganda as ‘home’ venue for 2025 AFCON QualifiersMeanwhile, the former Sofapaka coach urged referees to offer more protection to players by making the right calls and dishing red cards when necessary.He took issue with how referees have been consistently turning a blind eye to off-the-ball incidents and other career-threatening fouls.“I have seen players make dangerous fouls and walk scot-free. Recently, we saw a player punching an opponent in the face only to get a yellow card. Let the laws of the game be applied without fear or favour,” he added.
