Bandari FC head coach Anthony Kimani says they are likely to experience selection headaches in the coming season due to the depth of talent they acquired in the last transfer window.
The club plunged vast resources into the last transfer market in search of quality and it seems Kimani might have gotten more than he had bargained for.
“We are aware we shall be having a big headache next season but I must say the headache is much welcome. Any coach would feel proud to have such a talent-laden squad,” Kimani said.
“The good thing about it is that it creates healthy competition in the squad. No one is assured of an automatic slot in the lineup and that pushes the players beyond limits. At the end of the day the team performs," Kimani said.
The former Harambee Stars defender admitted that Kenya's suspension from the international level has lowered the quality of competition in the country's topflight league.
“Every player must have something that motivates him to work harder. There has to be a goal to achieve. Currently, our players are aware they don't have a chance to join the national team and, yes, it reduces the fire in their belly,” Kimani said.
He noted that four of his players are suffering from injuries that may keep them out of the field for different periods.
Among them are three of his new acquisitions Omar Somobwana (AFC Leopards), Mohamed 'Mudiga' Abeid (Coastal Heroes) and Felix Oluoch (Kariobangi Sharks).
The team had pegged their hopes on Oluoch to sharpen their attack after he narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot gong in the preceding season.
The illustrious forward's splendid run fired him to a third-place finish on the top scorers' chart with 13 goals.
Oluoch fell slightly behind KCB's Derrick Otanga and Kenya Police's Clifton Miheso who struck the back of the net 16 and 15 times respectively.
Kimani, however, said he didn't think it would take long before Oluoch returns to the squad.
“He only hurt his toe and that might not take a long time to recover. Hopefully, we might be having it in the lineup in a few days,” Kimani said.
“Mohamed 'Mudiga' Abeid has injured his right leg and might be out for at least six months," he added.
Also joining the injury list is striker Chris Ochieng who joined the coastal lads from reigning champions Tusker two seasons ago.
“Chris Ochieng has suffered a thigh injury and will be out for two months.”
Kimani, however, said the continued delay at the start of the new season could deflate the vibrancy of his squad given that the players are now getting tired of waiting.
