Africa-Press – Kenya. As the 2025-26 Kenya Premier League enters its fifth round, Bidco United are gearing up for a crucial away fixture against troubled Mara Sugar at Awendo Green Stadium this Friday.
The Thika-based side, sitting seventh on six points, have staked their ambitions on a full haul of points that would propel them to second.
“Our objective is clear — we must win and show consistency from now on,” said Bidco head coach Anthony Akhulia. “We know the kind of attitude and performance it takes to win on the road.”
Bidco have so far won two of their three matches this season and will be keen to make a statement. By contrast, Mara Sugar have garnered just four points from three outings and lie 12th on the log, still shaking off the turbulence of last season’s tight escape from relegation.
Akhulia, a former defender who rose through the ranks to become head coach, says the squad has matured and now must translate potential into results.
“We’ve worked hard in the background, made adjustments and now it’s time for the players to step up,” he said.
“We won two matches early, but we cannot rest on that — winning away is always the biggest challenge and Mara Sugar will come at us.”
“We have to remain rigid in our defensive shape and sharp in transitions,” he added. “If we manage all that, we’ll leave Awendo with the three points.”
On the threats posed by Mara Sugar, the coach noted: “We respect Mara, but we are not here to make up numbers. We believe we can dominate the game from the first whistle.”
“The log table doesn’t lie. If you want to be counted among the top, you must win mid-week, top-flight fixtures — starting now.”
The stakes are just as high for the millers — albeit for a different reason. The club narrowly avoided relegation last season and has yet to demonstrate the kind of form that can secure safety this campaign.
Veteran head coach Edward Manoah, who joined in May, said the team must show resilience and seize opportunities when they arise.
“Friday’s game is a chance for us to reassert ourselves,” Manoah commented. “We may be under pressure, but pressure doesn’t mean panic — it means focus.”
He conceded the challenges faced by the club: “We’ve had some rough patches, squad changes and adjustment issues. But the players are responding and we will not shy away from the fight.”
On threats posed by Bidco, Manoah said: “Bidco are playing well, they have confidence. But home advantage and our desire to bounce back must count for something. We’ll be bold, we’ll press high and we’ll try to dominate key moments.”
“To our supporters in Awendo, we need you. Your chants, your energy, your belief can tip the balance. Let’s make Friday a turning point.”
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