Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito saw off Nairobi City Stars 4-1 in a friendly game played in the afternoon of Thursday 14 November 2019 at Camp Toyoyo.
The Premiership side coached by Melis Medo carried a 2-0 lead to the breather and finished it off with another two in the second half as City Stars managed a consolation from Anthony Muki Kimani who converted from the spot, a penalty earned by speeding Stephen Mweni.
While Wazito were using the tie to shape up for their upcoming Premier league game away to Kisumu AllStars next Wednesday, City Stars head coach Sanjin Alagic used it as an opportunity to field players who are keen to break into the main squad after missing out on starting berths against Ushuru on Wednesday.
Strikers Vincent ‘Jamaica’ Otieno, Jimmy Bageya and winger Heritier Luvualu who made second half appearances against Ushuru, a round 14 NSL tie played at Hope Centre yesterday, were among the lot that lined up against Wazito.
Ronny Kagunzi stood tall in goal as Edwin Buliba and Augustine Ochieng were paraded as centre backs while Noah Abich and Calvin Masawa were on either side as fullbacks. Eric Ochieng played deep six against his former employers as Kimani had the play maker’s role.
Luvualu and Nahashon Thiongo were on either wings as Bageya played behind striker Jamaica. In the second half Cornelius Mwangi plugged in at centre back as Buliba moved to right fullback to rest Abich.
Peter Wainaina came in for Nahashon as Mweni took Bageya’s place in the second half. Victor Okulu came on for Eric.
According to coach Sanjin it was a run out game for players angling to break to the main team and it was never really about getting a result but to see the zeal from his players against a worthy opponent.
“The target was to give chance and minutes for players who didn’t play against Ushuru in our recent NSL game against Ushuru,”
“My wish was to play against strong Premier league team Waizito and it was good challenge because we played with our second team while they played with their first 11,”
“A result was not in the first plan, I wanted to see how the players from bench will react in a strong and demanding match,”
“Transfer window is in front of us so we need to bring right decision about which players can help us to achieve promotion to Premier league and also play in that higher level.” Concluded Sanjin
There was a scare midway through the first half when Wazito’s Waithira concussed after a head knock on a high ball with Jamaica. He was dashed to hospital for further checks.
City Stars will be up against Muranga Seal on Monday 18 November in an NSL round 15 fixture at the Camp Toyoyo starting 4pm
Lineups
City Stars: 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba (24. Cornelius Mwangi), 6. Augustine Ochieng, 13. Eric Ochieng (Victor Okulu), 17. Noah Abich, 10. Nahashon Thiongo (15. Peter Wainaina), 30. Anthony Kimani, 7. Heritier Luvualu, 19. Jimmy Bageya (19. Stephen Mweni), 9. Vincent Otieno
Subs: 27. Vincent Khatili
Coach: Sanjin Alagic
Wazito: Kevin Omondi, Bernard Ochieng, Lloyd Wahome, Karim Nziyigimana, Ali Abondo, Musa Masika, Paul Acqua, Joe Waithira, David Oswe, Derick Otanga, Pistone Mutamba
Coach: Melis Medo