Newly appointed Vihiga Bullets coach Evans Mafuta admits his side faces a baptism of fire when they host Bidco United at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Saturday.
“Being my first and the team’s first game in the top flight league, we expect a baptism of fire. I have only been with the team for four days but I’m looking forward to the match,” said Mafuta.
Mafuta took over from Edward Manoah, who stepped down after guiding the team to the top-flight league. Mafuta will be assisted by Tom Tera while Arafat Athman is the team manager.
The former Nairobi Stima and APS Bomet coach began his new job on Monday.
“We have not had a proper pre-season but that is not an excuse. I have asked my players to go out there and compete. It’s just a game like any other,” added Mafuta.
And even though he is yet to set targets for the season, his main goal is to keep the top-flight if not finishing in a respectable position.
“This is a very good team which can go head-to-head with perennial KPL campaigners. Even though we are underdogs because this is our debut season, we are not afraid of any team,” said a bullish Mafuta.
He added that the club has so far lost two players to established KPL clubs.
Midfielder Boniface Munyendo signed for Nzoia Sugar while stopper Portipher Odhiambo, who was named National Super League’s Most Valuable Player signed for Kakamega Homeboyz.
The tactician revealed that four players who were part of the team that helped Vihiga Bullets qualify to the KPL are yet to report for training.
“Since the transfer window is still open, we are working on replacing players who have left,” Mafuta revealed.
Fellow debutants Talanta will battle Wazito on Saturday at Ruaraka grounds as Kenya Police travel to Kakamega to face Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday.
