Kenyatta Stadium; The Ten Million Shilling Question

Ever since Dr. Alfred Mutua burst into the limelight, I have associated him more with TV series Cobra Squad than his other titles. Until he became Governor of Machakos and I expected the usual jabbering in a high pitch voice. He decided to prove critics wrong.

I happened to be in Machakos twice in the last week. The moment I got to Mlolongo, I was greeted with signposts of a new Machakos. When I turned off Mombasa Road into the Machakos Road, you are struck with a new lease of fresh air. Even the heavens have been good to send rain in Machakos, the hills are green.

The moment I was done with my business, I asked for directions to Kenyatta Stadium. Word had it that the county Government had done some good work in preparation for CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup set to begin on 28th November 2013.

 I had to sweet talk my way through security guards. The guards wore this- I am proud to be here demeanour than a harassing one. I had to prove I am a blogger, the new title in town. I stepped into a bee hive, nobody even bothered to notice an intruder walking around the truck.

Is what I was seeing work worth TEN MILLION Kenyan shillings?  The grass on the pitch was green and well trimmed. The stands were in different stages of construction and completion. The complete parts were painted blue while the other parts had the grey tint of welded mild steel.

Women were selling foodstuff the workers. A supervisor could be heard giving instructions to someone on the other side. As I walked past the main stand, I caught a glimpse of the tunnel still under construction. Behind the main stand, two ablution blocks are being constructed on far right and left. The kind of concentration and speed that the workers are going about their business tells you that, it is not Business as Usual.

 I passed and walked past a group of people preparing to mark the grounds. Meanwhile, a roller is at work making sure the playing surface is indeed flat. The grass is green and healthy, testimony of work done in the scorching semi arid heat of Machakos.

I walk out and get back in through the gate behind the main stand. The process of talking the guards into letting down their guards is repeated. I go in and enter into some rooms that are almost complete. The floor and walls have been tiled to the ceiling. I asked a technician doing the wiring if these are the players changing rooms. He fumbles then tells me his work is to install the electricity system, he is too busy and I walk out and move on.

I see a man my height about twenty metres away. He has a walkie-talkie so I assume he is a supervisor. I go to him and ask where the changing rooms are. He directs me back to the room I have just left, and the next block a few metres away. I decide to check the next one. Wow, I am blown away, I walk straight into the wash rooms at the far end and the finishing is top notch. The floor has dark grey tiles, while the walls are draped in cream ones. There are black strips running from the ceiling downwards in several places making the room look bigger than it really is. The light bulbs are designer and the toilet seats are just superb. Players will definitely prefer Machakos stadium facilities to Nyayo or Kasarani stadiums.

I walk back and scan the tunnel under the imposing main stand. I look around and see the terraces surrounding the eastern part of the stadium and decide my eyes have seen enough. One week is a short time, but If these beehive can bring out the honey. I must go to Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium to see for myself.

That is when I will ask the TEN MILLION SHILLING question?

I have always known that money is never the problem in Kenyan football, lack of vision and the determination to get it done is the problem. IT CAN BE DONE, Dr. Alfred Mutua has shown us the way, Kisumu and Kakamega County Governments, there is no need of re-inventing the wheel.

Copyright - Stuttustics Media

When Sofapaka sneezed to give Gor the title;

Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech where he repeats the phrase; “Had I sneezed, I would have died.” Sofapaka went into their match with Gor Mahia on Wednesday 23^rd October knowing very well that should they sneeze, Gor’s –Giniwasekao (we have taken it) chant would be a reality. They held Gor for 88 minutes, then they sneezed, and Dan Sserunkuma fired in his trademark shot into the roof of the net from Patrick Oboya’s wonder pass.

The main man of the match was Sofapaka’s midfielder Benard Mang’oli and the flop for the day was Gor mahia’s Anthony Akumu. Eric Ochieng’ and Joseph Wanyonyi outplayed their own ‘veteran’ Akumu in the midfield. Eric was winning 50-50 balls and Wanyonyi was supporting attack very well. Johnstone Bagole was good at holding midfielder; in the end Mang’oli bagged man of the match.

Sofapaka played their traditional 4-4-2 with James Situma back in defense from kickoff.  Johnstone Bagole and Benard Mang’oli were in the midfield assisted by Bob Mugalia and Anthony Kimani. Mang’oli faced and outplayed Eric Ochieng’ on the opposite side. Bagole silenced Akumu and Sofapaka kept the Gor fans in the stand on the edge for a better part of the match. This set up worked and Sam Timbe can maintain it.

Gor played a 4-5-1 formation with Serunkuma the lone man upfront assisted by Kevin Omondi and Edwin Lavatsa on the flanks coming in from the midfield. So Gor had an extra man in the midfield and Sofapaka outplayed them in the centre circle. That brings the Akumu factor, playing him in central mid was a mistake. Eric Ochieng’ is better at central midfield; Akumu should have been in front of the defense. This was Gor’s undoing until Akumu went off for Moses Odhiambo in the 86th minute.

Sofapaka’s main undoing was attack. John Baraza and Mustafa Kasolo fired blanks throughout the match. Batoto ba Mungu gave a good account of themselves. Bob Mugalia was having his first start in many days and his lack of fitness was evident. He limped out in the 53^rd minute for the improved Elly Asieche.

Joseph Wanyonyi had a good day but his inexperience was shouting. He is the kind of player you don’t thrust huge responsibilities on at such a time in his career. Gor had a rough time but their defense of Israel Emuge, Mosoti, David Owino and Musa Mohammed stood firm.

In the end, Gor won the match from the bench. If a coach has Patrick Oboya (Lavatsa 68), Moses Odhiambo (Akumu 86) and Paul Kiongera (Omondi 75^th) on the bench, that is manpower. Sofapaka on the other side brought in Elly Asieche (Mugalia 52) and Patrick Kagogo (Kasolo 77). This is when Sofapaka could not hold the sneeze and Gor killed the game.

Apart from that, Gor has a champion’s mentality that combines resilience with character. If there is anything that has given Gor the title this season, it is those two. There has been little or no bad vibe coming in from Gor playing unit. It doesn’t mean they don’t have problems, I heard their training allowances were recently delayed for weeks but they kept their eyes on the ball.

Congratulation to Gor for winning the 2013 title and to Sofapaka for making the victory worth celebrating.

GoTv Shield Semis: Sofapaka ‘pinched’ by Ingwe

Peter ‘pinches’ Opiyo pinched Sofapaka out of the midfield battle to win the ‘man of the match’ award. It was a match that lacked firepower as both sides employed a cautious approach. At some point it looked like a kick around. Sofapaka made two great mistakes and paid by conceding as many goals. One was a goalkeeping blunder and the other leaving Noah Wafula unmarked on the blind side.

I had aluded to the match being a battle between Peter Opiyo and Sofapaka skipper James Situma. In the end Peter Opiyo prevailed because he had good back up in Martin Imbalambala and Paul Were as Mike Baraza got lost in the crowd. Situma on the other hand had the team’s weak link in John Njoroge right in front of him with Anthony Kimani only as his side kick. That simple arithmetic counted for Leopards.

Leopards employed a 4-3-3 formation from the start. Paul Were and Noah Wafula were on both sides of Allan Wanga upfront. The two Sofapaka full backs of Thomas Wanyama and Yusuf Juma did well to stop the two terrorists. In the end Were had to fire in a clever cross from far between Eugene Asike and Felly Mulumba to Wafula on the right to score the second goal as his traditional runs on the flank were halted by Wanyama.

Sofapaka had a 4-4-2 formation with John Baraza and Mustafa Kasolo in the opponent’s box. Their back four played wide in attack forming a wedge into Ingwes box. In defense, the back four would go narrow giving space for Anthony Kimani ‘muki’ and Patrick Kagogo to fall back and cover.

Sofapaka must look for another Humphrey Mieno to go into the ‘hole’ behind the twin strikers. John Njoroge was deployed in that position and ‘his calls went unanswered’ just like Mike Baraza in the opposite side. In the absence of speedy wingers as Juma and Wanyama were kept busy hence overlapped less, an intelligent player is needed at the centre. Situma was left to do everything, from spade work recovery of balls to rushing up to initiate attack; he lost the fight honourably in the end.

Martin Imbalambala with two powerful players on the flanks, Paul Were and Wafula, freed Peter Opiyo to do what he does best, read the game. This worked for Ingwe, as Sofapaka opted for long balls to Baraza and Kasolo who were tightly marked by Saleh and Anthony Kimani ‘modo’ in ingwe defense.

The first goal in the 42^nd minute, Duncan Ochieng’ missed to clear a ball after Bagole had shielded Wanga. Wanga broke loose and tapped it in. This came after Duncan had made some daring saves to deny Leopards’ goals so it was a tot of bad luck.

Sofapaka came in the second half with the intention of hoarding the ball but that did not work. Situma had gone into defense and Bagole replaced him in the midfield with no much effect. Kagogo went out for Elly Asieche in the 47^th minute and went behind the strikers as Njoroge went to the left. This change added little punch upfront to trouble ingwe.

Eugene Asike came in for Kasolo and went into defense to send Situma back into the midfield. Sofapaka now crowded the midfield with five players with only John Baraza upfront. Ingwe responded by Were and Wafula dropping deep to leave Wanga a lone man upfront. Wafula’s 82^nd minute strike killed the match and Sofapaka’s efforts were too little too late.

Sofapaka are good but that could be the enemy of their best. They lack that cutting edge of champions and to wrestle the league title from the jaws of Gor will need extra cat skills. Leopards’ must sharpen their claws if they are to bag the GoTv Shield; their first major silver since 1998. It was a match with ‘little juice’ to write home about.

© STUTTISTICS media

GoTv Shield Semis: Sofapaka vs. AFC Leopards’ Preview

This is a James Situma vs. Peter Opiyo battle, whoever wins the fight in the midfield will carry the day. Why do I say this? Watching the two teams in the quarter finals last weekend, these two players were the ‘engine’ – the cog upon which their sides revolved.

Sofapaka and Ingwe both like to use the flanks. The difference is it is full backs that overlap for Sofapaka while Leopards’ has speedy wingers with slow fullbacks. I will wait to see how James Nandwa and Sammy Timbe use their charges to play out in the flanks.

Back to the midfield. Last Sunday Peter Opiyo was with Charles Okwemba, Oscar Kadenge and Martin Imbalambala.  Seda and Paul Were came in the 2^nd half. Situma had Bernard Mang’oli at the centre with John Njoroge and Anthony Kimani on the flanks.  Situma finished the match in the defense, another shot from the hip from Sofapaka.

This should have been a Peter Opiyo vs. Bernard Mang’oli battle as they will be playing similar roles. Their positioning is similar but mentality different. When Ingwe’s defense wins the ball, it lands on Opiyo, but for Sofapaka it goes to Situma who pass it on to Mang’oli or someone else. Hence the term ‘engine.’

Situma is a ball winner, he can tackle hard. Opiyo on the other hand, is good at intercepting than fighting for the ball. This will prove decisive if the match gets thick as I hope it will be. The cover for Opiyo when it comes to tackles is Martin Imbalambala.

On the flipside Opiyo is better at holding the ball than Situma. Situma will win the ball then he must pass it to Mang’oli who is good at holding and passing. Is Opiyo a good passer? A big NO. If there is one area Ingwe’s main man at the centre must improve on is passing accuracy, especially when pressure piles.

I have expanded it to include Martin Imbalambala and Benard Mang’oli. I hope the rule of on-loan players not playing against their ‘parent’ club won’t apply in the GoTv shield, Mang’oli should feature. This is where the match will be won. Sofapaka has a secret weapon in Johnstone Bagole, how Timbe positions him will also count.

Upfront, John Baraza is better than Allan Wanga in terms of the ratio of shots at goal against goals scored. Wanga will work harder than Baraza but in the end Baraza will carry the day. The support strikers in this case may just make the difference.

I expect the flanks to be active especially where speedy Paul Were will be facing Thomas Wanyama. The game changers may come from the bench, but meanwhile, let’s watch the centre. I see a balanced match, but Ingwe have had a better run prior to this match.  I won’t be surprised if it ends up in penalty shootouts.

Let’s meet at Kasarani at 4 PM.

© STUTTISTICS media

Sofapaka beat an Organized Muhoroni Youth

Sofapaka 2-1 Muhoroni Youth

This was a match I believe Muhoroni did not deserve to lose if it was not for Sofapaka’s fighting spirit. Muhoroni were organized, Sofapaka were hungry for a win and that is what made the difference. When the match balance sheet is drawn, Sofapaka’s custodian Duncan Ochieng’ went home deserving in accolades, he saved Sofapaka from a painful loss especially in the final minute of the match.

The two teams set out with similar formations, a variation of 4-4-2 but with the two midfielders playing more as wingers. They both had a single defensive midfielder and a central midfielder.  This worked for Muhoroni but failed for Sofapaka in the first half with Anthony Kimani failing to click as a central midfielder. Muhoroni were fluid on the ball with brilliant passes while Sofapaka went for goal with intent with minimal ball play.

The defense of both teams played a great game. James Situma who was playing as a holding midfielder was outstanding for Sofapaka. I believe this position gives him leverage to express himself as compared to when he is in the defense. Felly Mulumba has matured into a strong defensive tower for Sofapaka and Wanyama’s high work rate on the right was commendable. 

Franklin Osama marshaled Muhoroni backline well with Harry Gentle on the left flank. Nick Owende, Muhoroni’s right fullback like Sofapaka’s left back Collins Kisuya had concentration lapse in the face of fast attacks. The cover was good for both teams which minimized the damage.

Jackson Maina was the engine of Muhoroni’s play; coming in from the right his moves always threatened Sofapaka. When his one-two passes worked with Issa Khaemba, Sofapaka was left chasing shadows. Then Iddi  Shikanda came in for Sammy Wakhanya and Imonje boys had a stabilized but failed to convert activity into productivity.

Koko Manupi tapped in Sofapaka’s first goal against run of play, then Felly Mulumba headed in the second from a Wanyama corner two minutes later. Muhoroni replied when Joseph Emeka tapped in a free kick. Emeka had a good play with Issa Khaemba earlier, he shot past an outstretched Duncan Ochieng, hit the post and the ball went out.

 Anthony Kimani always positioned himself directly in front of Situma at the centre leaving two ‘highways’ on either side. Sofapaka wingers Koko Manupi and Obadiah Tarumbwa played wide and Jackson Maina exploited this but Muhoroni could not capitalize on this Sofapaka weak link. Obadiah Tarumbwa realized this and fell into the hole behind Bob Mugalia and John Baraza to cover for Kimani. This is what saved Sofapaka and they went to the break with a 2-1 lead.

 Coach David Ouma realized this and Kimani was replaced by Eli Asieche in the second half and the chances reduced for Muhoroni. The visitors always came up with flashes of brilliance which were followed by spells of slow play. This is what made the difference; they failed to pile pressure consistently despite coming up with organized and threatening attacks.

Sofapaka was opting for long balls when the midfield failed but Muhoroni defense was always ready to keep improved Bob Mugalia and John Baraza at bay. Gaddy Omondi was brought into the goal for a shaky Joel Odongo and Muhoroni and the confidence in Muhoroni defense grew.

 The introduction of Agwanda and Patrick Kagogo changed the flank play for Sofapaka. Kagogo earned a penalty in injury time which John Baraza fluffed. Muhoroni came in with a counter attack that Duncan Ochieng punched out in the 95th minute to save Sofapaka from a last minute blush.

ENNPI 'Triangles' that Frustrated Gor

Football is won and lost in the midfield- period. This is the engine of a team and the fulcrum upon which every move revolves. Midfield is a mentality and not a position, the positioning follows an inbuilt disposition in a player.

There are defensive and attacking midfielders, where a special type is a playmaker who can be described as a central midfielder. The defensive midfielders are more of tacklers and spoilers while playmakers and attacking are creators. Passing is a must for any midfielder as it is the only way to complete an efficient play. In Kenya, we have more than enough supply of defensive midfielders but the others are rare.

It is with this in mind that I set my eyes on the Egyptian side ENNPI when they played Gor Mahia in the return leg of Confederation Cup second leg. They played a  4-3-3 formation but the two wingers fell into the midfield when they were defending for a  4-5-1 on back peddle.

The three midfielders were defensive- Mohammed Sobhy Gazy and creatives Nader Saber El Ashry and Abdalla Shahad Ibrahim. Whenever they were defending Gazy was always infront of the defense but Nader came down to play on Gazy’s left. This meant that the Egyptian side had a six man wall in the defense then Shahad was in the centre circle to form a midfield triangle with the base in the defense.

In the offensive, Nader moved up field as Shahad went to the left, shifting the base of the triangle into Gor’s side of the field. Gazy remained as the apex in front of the defense. This happened with a static Joseph Njuguna and Teddy Akumu positioned in a diagonal line in front of Gor defense. Thes three ENNPI midfield players blocked and outplayed a Gor midfield composed of Kevin Omondi, Ali Abondo, Joseph Njuguna and Teddy Akumu. 

Moses Odhiambo is an accomplished midfielder, and his introduction stifled ENNPI in the second half.

Gor appeared purposeful when Rama fell deep into the ‘hole’ behind Serunkuma and acted as a playmaker, which faults their midfield. There was another shift in play when Innocent Mutiso came in for Teddy Akumu.

ENNPI ‘triangles’ meant that in the offensive they played a 4-1-5 system and 6-3-1 in defense. The transitions were seamless, the passes accurate but their finishing was poor. The ‘extra’ players filling the gaps meant that Gor’s efforts were always watched by an extra set of eyes not committed to active play. This is the player who curtailed the moves before they turned dangerous. These extra player(s) sometimes transformed the triangle into a diamond, another formation that if played well, locks opponents out of play.

Watching KPL clubs play leaves you with insights why our football lacks an edge in the region and Africa as a whole. Our midfielders are way average for the game. Those who can tackle and win balls cant hold on to it. Those who can hold have a low complete passing rate. The play-makers are non-existent especially with the exit of Humphrey Mieno to Azam FC.

We need to develop our midfielders’ individual play then work on their team work in terms of transitions and cohesion. ENNPI employed a simple play that made sure they consolidated their 3-0 win advantage over Gor in Cairo.

Catch me on Twitter @stuttistician

Tactical Improvement in Tusker Premier League

Stop and take your eyes off the action in the EPL and UEFA Champions League and spare sometime for the local version of the beautiful game. TPL clubs are slowly getting the gist of matters technical football, the few matches I have watched this season, clubs are getting entrepreneurial and taking risks in the game.

One department that works for our players is the defence side of things. Gor Mahia and Tusker FC have the best defence so far, Thika United also have great talent at the back but the league is still young to separate the diamonds from graphite. On area of want is the holding midfield or defensive midfielder- the diamonds are still rough.

This is an area where we have abundant talent, but to be honest, most of it is average. Those who can hold the ball have a low delivery rate on passes like Peter Opiyo of Tusker. Those who can tackle and win the ball, may be poor in holding it like Teddy Akumu but again good in passes. When individual talents are refined, then coaches can give us good formations.

The 4-4-2 formation became obsolete but all other formations that came after it always work with it as a template. TPL clubs play with a four man defence  Francis Kimanzi tried three defenders last season with Sofapaka but went back to back four. Our players’ physical fitness and technical ability makes it difficult for coaches to experiment new formations as well.

The choice of a formation is determined by players' tactical ability, individual talent and team dynamics. To this end TPL coaches have challenges because our players may be good in talent but average in tactical prowess.

Two man holding midfield

Because we lack creative midfielders our midfielders tend to default to defensive mode. Look at Gor Mahia against Sofapaka on Saturday 9^th March when Gor won 1-0 courtesy of a sublime Mungai Kiongera back heel goal. Akumu was the holding midfielder; Kevin Omondi and Paul Mbugua were the other midfielders with Rama playing in the hole behind Edwin Lavatsa and Kiongera.

Sofapaka had towering George Owino in that hole as a defensive midfielder to mark the diminutive Rama Salim. On a day that Osborne Monday failed to deliver the passes and Tito Mulama lacks speed in the midfield, it meant that Sofapaka defense always had Mulama as a third leg due to his lack of fluid in the midfield.

In reality, Paul Mbugua and Akumu were holding midfielders leaving Kevin Omondi with the task of breaking the Sofapaka defense, something that gave Sofapaka relief in defense. Kiongera’s goal came from the Lavatsa’s cross from the right after beating Collins Kisuya, the midfield works more in the defence than offence.

At Ruaraka based Tusker, Peter Opiyo is always deployed as a central midfielder but he has an inherent defensive trait, the good thing is he adopted passing later. He is always falling deep to play in a straight line with the deployed holding midfielder. Is it prudent that TPL clubs just adopt a double holding midfield pattern then try a three man defence  This means that 4-5-1 will be the most preferred formation.

The flanks

If there is another area our clubs lack in exceptional talent it is wingers. Very few players can run to the touch line and deliver an exceptional cross. Crosses are always hard balls to defend and there is a likelihood that a striker like John Baraza will drill it in. Leopards’ Paul Were is a magician here, but sometimes he gets lost in the details then he ends up losing his major role.

The new sensations on the flanks are Sofapaka’s Zimbabwe import Obadiah Tarumbwa and Tuskers Ugandan import Omunuk, both foreigners but great talent all the same. Logarusic prefers to play direct play with Gor Mahia- his less action on the flanks may be due to his realization that we lack players with the speed and ball control for the wings. Our wingers tend to get lost in the midfield, so the midfield is ever crowded but somehow the clubs that break into the box scores the goals.

The ideal winger knows when to defend and when to go to the midfield. Then there is the changing of flankers; how does playing a right legged player on the left flank influence a game? It means he has to cut back and run towards the box with ball away from the goal or risk dribbling on the side exposed to the marking defender. It works well though to confuse defenders, and Sofapaka and Tusker use it often and it works.

Forwards

There has been an increase in goals in TPL in the past few match days. If you take a look, these goals have not been scored by strikers but midfielders. KCB has had a good run so far, watching them against Ulinzi, I saw a cohesive approach to the game rather than tactical prowess. The lads are enjoying themselves, thus scoring many goals.

So far, KCB have perfected the morphing of 4-4-2 into 4-5-1 and a solid 5-4-1 when chasing the ball. Then there is the pseudo centre forward played well by Jacob Keli, where he comes in from the midfield to score the goals. Very effective teamwork formations, I hope Juma Abdalla will manage to keep up the tempo.

I will try my best to bring you the clubs’ approach to the game as frequently as I can and soon after the matches. For the Good of Game and Country

catch on twitter as @stuttistcian