“Even though Gor Mahia have started the season badly, they are still a difficult team to get the better of and we must be at our utmost best if we are to do that,” Otieno was quoted by the club’s
Facebook page as saying.
“Even more now that they have a new coach. We must work as a team from the first whistle until the last. We didn’t start the season on the right footing last weekend against Sofapaka so we have to make amends and avoid at all costs another disappointing result.”
Otieno scored his first goal for Mathare United against Gor Mahia in November 2019 and was also on target against Batoto ba Mungu during the Wundanyi loss. Van Persie, as he is known, has seven goals for the 2008 Premier League champions and the 2020/21 season is his second with the Eastlands club.
“The way we have been training and playing, you could see there is a slight improvement and it is a matter of time before we start getting results. And when I talk of results, it means winning games.”
Initially, the club’s owner Cleophas Shimanyula stated they have had poor results primarily because some six players returned positive Covid-19 tests and were consequently ruled out of the opening games.
Wanga too stated they were affected by the absence of the infected players.
“Some of the key players were injured just as the season began but now we have almost all players available,” the Premier League-winning star added.
Owiti, who joined Ingwe in 2017, pointed out reasons that made him sign the AFC Leopards deal quickly without further delay.
“I feel great again to be part of the team,” the forward said upon renewing the contract. “AFC Leopards have always been my home which made it easy on the decision about renewing my contract.
“My target is to give my best and help the team win the league title and other cups.
Owiti also promised the fans of good times ahead even as they continue to support the team away from the pitch.
“To the fans, I thank you for your continued support and I hope this season you will support us even more despite your absence from the stadium [due to Covid-19],” he added.
The home side made other changes in the 48th minute when Masuta Masita and Bernard Ongoma were rested and their places were taken by Oscar Wamalwa and Boniface Okinyi.
Bidco United’s Anthony Akhulia also made changes as Lambert Otieno and Pistone Mutamba left the pitch while Orem David and Erick Githimu came on.
John Kago would have opened the score in favour of Ulinzi Stars in the 62nd minute after he was put through by Daniel Wawru but his shot went slightly wide.
Both teams failed to get a game-changing opener and ended up sharing points despite the end-to-end attacks in either half.
“It was a difficult match given everything that has happened in the lead-up to our first game of the season and I cannot fault my players for the loss. They gave everything and as a coach that is what you want.”
The tactician said it would not be enough to judge Mathare United solely on the margin of loss since they had brilliant moments on the pitch against the 2009 Premier League champions.
“The scoreline looks as if we were played off the pitch but that just wasn’t the case,” the tactician added.
“We caused Sofapaka plenty of problems going forward, especially in the second half and we were almost close to sealing an incredible comeback with the score at 3-2, but sadly it never quite happened.”