On Saturday 18 January, FC Talanta will step onto Dandora Stadium with a clear mission; to secure points against AFC Leopards and begin their climb out of the relegation zone.The side started the year on the wrong foot, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz.They had a rocky start to the season and currently find themselves in 17th place in the 18-team league. This position puts them at risk of relegation and has raised alarm bells within the squad.Dennis Oliech advises Joseph Okumu on his next career moveSpeaking to Mozzart Sport during a gym session on Monday morning, FC Talanta captain Benard Odhiambo remained optimistic about better performances from the boys this year.The Jackline Juma-coached side has played 16 matches so far, registering only three wins against Sofapaka (1-0), Mara Sugar (2-0), and Ulinzi Stars (1-0). They have suffered eight losses and eight draws.The former KCB FC centre-back emphasized that their current position is a wake-up call.##NAJAVA_MECA_8624476##“In the game against Kakamega Homeboyz, we gave our best, but luck was not on our side. We need to improve on concentration, which is our main weakness. We have been conceding the same goals because of lapses in focus,” Odhiambo offered.He further acknowledged the strong form of their upcoming opponents, AFC Leopards, but stressed the importance of rising to the occasion.Mariga among African football legends confirmed for CHAN 2024 draw in Nairobi“AFC are in great form while we are trying to get our form back. We respect them, but we must get points from that match. Our position on the table makes us worried because we are not in a good place. The best thing to do is keep pushing, and we will get back there,” he averred.The skipper also issued a rallying call to his teammates with relegation back to the NSL a possibility should their form continue.##NAJAVA_MECA_8624494##“My main objective is to lift the team from the danger zone. At least by the end of the season, we should be in a good place. I urge my fellow players to keep pushing. Results will come.”His sentiments were echoed by the team’s assistant coach Jackson Gatheru who also pointed out areas of improvement.“We gave our best against Kakamega Homeboyz, but during the first half, we could not possess the ball,” Gatheru admitted. “However, we came back stronger in the second half,” Gatheru told Mozzart Sport.FKF president reveals when new Harambee Stars coach will be announcedThe veteran tactician also drew attention to the team’s struggles in attack as a key concern but expressed confidence in the squad’s growth.“Our main problem now is scoring. We are not strong in attacking. But we can see the players fine-tuning their skills and improving in every match. This week offers us an opportunity to analyze our strong and weak areas, and we will be good to face AFC Leopards,” he said.All eyes will be on the showdown this weekend as the Communications Authority of Kenya-backed outfit seeks to claw their way out of danger.##NAJAVA_MECA_8624474##
