Africa-Press – Kenya. Ulinzi Stars striker Boniface Muchiri has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the eagerly anticipated Afande Derby, insisting the soldiers are ready to shake off their recent struggles and rediscover their fighting spirit when they host Kenya Police at the Ulinzi Complex in Lang’ata.
The once formidable Soldiers have endured a painful slump in form, slipping to three consecutive defeats in the Kenyan Premier League.
A narrow 1-0 loss to Mathare United on January 16 set the tone, followed by a 2-1 setback against Murang’a Seal on January 25, before another 1-0 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks on February 1.
Ulinzi have not tasted victory since November 9 last year, when they edged APS Bomet 1-0, leaving a drought of nearly three months that has tested both the squad’s character and the patience of their supporters.
Boasting four Kenyan Premier League titles (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010), Ulinzi Stars find themselves 14th on the log with 17 points from 19 games, whereas Kenya Police sit fifth with 29 points and are tipped as favourites.
Yet, Muchiri sees the derby as the perfect stage for redemption. “We understand the magnitude of this match, not just because it is a derby but because of where we are as a team,” Muchiri said during training at the Ulinzi Complex.
“The recent results have hurt us deeply, especially the narrow defeats where small mistakes have cost us points, but this is the kind of game that can turn a season around. League positions matter, yes, but pride and determination matter even more in a derby.”
Acknowledging the impact of recent losses on confidence, he added, “When you lose three games in a row, naturally, confidence dips. But what I can say about this group is that the hunger is still there. In training, the intensity has been high. The boys are pushing each other, correcting mistakes, and demanding more from themselves. That tells you the spirit is alive.”
Ulinzi’s struggles prompted a change on the technical bench, with former captain Stephen Ocholla replacing Dunstan Nyaudo as head coach. “Coach Ocholla knows what it means to wear this badge because he has done it before,” Muchiri said.
“He understands the discipline, the structure, and the fighting mentality that defines Ulinzi Stars. Since he came in, he has emphasised accountability and unity. That has already brought a fresh energy into the camp. We needed someone who knows what it takes to lift this team mentally and technically, and he is doing that.”
Despite the setbacks, Ulinzi’s losses have been by fine margins. Muchiri believes correcting small lapses will be crucial against a disciplined Kenya Police side.
“If you look at our last three games, we were not outplayed,” he insisted. “We conceded from moments where concentration dropped for a few seconds. At this level, that is enough to punish you. Against the Kenya Police, we must remain focused from the first whistle to the last. We cannot afford mental lapses. Every ball counts, every tackle counts, every movement counts.”
The Afande Derby has always been fiercely contested, often decided by grit rather than flair. Muchiri expects nothing less this time around.
“Derbies are never about form; they are about character,” he said. “Kenya Police may come in with momentum, but once the whistle goes, it becomes about who wants it more. We are playing at home, in front of our supporters, and we have a responsibility to respond.
“We may be lower on the table, but that does not mean we lack quality. We have to show that on the pitch.”
Home advantage could prove crucial, with the Ulinzi Complex expected to host a lively crowd eager to see their team bounce back. Muchiri appealed to fans to stand with the team.
“Our supporters have every right to be disappointed, but we ask them to stay with us,” he said. “Football has ups and downs. What matters is how you respond. On Sunday, we want them behind us because their energy makes a difference, especially in tight games. With them behind us, we can make the impossible possible.”
He also emphasised leadership within the squad. “As captain, I take responsibility when things are not going well,” Muchiri said. “It is my duty to lift the younger players, to remind them of who we are and what we represent. We cannot allow a bad run to define our season. We have to lead by example, in training and in matches.”
Facing Kenya Police — known for their organisation and physical presence — will require tactical discipline and clinical finishing, areas Ulinzi have struggled with in recent weeks.
“We have worked on being sharper in the final third,” Muchiri revealed. “In the last few matches, we created chances but did not convert them. Against a team like Police, you might only get two or three clear opportunities, and you must take at least one. Efficiency will be key. If we miss our chances, the result will go against us again.”
Above all, Muchiri believes the derby offers more than just three points; it offers a chance to restore pride. “This game is about pride and proving to ourselves that we are better than our recent results,” he concluded.
“If we fight for every ball, stay disciplined, and play with courage, I am confident we will walk away with a positive result. This is our moment to stand up. We may be 14th on the table, but our hearts, our spirit, and our will to win can defy the standings.”
