Ulinzi Stars head coach, Bernard Mwalala, has warned their Kenyan Premier League rivals to expect an uphill battle in the coming season.
Mwalala, who was unveiled by the Nakuru-based outfit last month, has vowed to finish off their opponents early in their encounters.
The coach said he will strengthen his attack line to ensure goals come early in the first quarter of every match.
“I will focus on having my team score in the first 15 minutes because that is part of my philosophy and it is something that I'm introducing,” Mwalala said.
Mwalala said history speaks volumes about his coaching approach of conducting endless raids in the opponents' territory.
“The training method that I usually employ is attack-minded and I think that sharpness has already started. When you look at my record at Bandari, Nzoia and even Kakamega Homeboyz, we had very many goals," said Mwalala.
He added: "That is my area and the players are already showing what we are doing in training is reflecting in the field."
The experienced tactician landed his new role with soldiers after parting ways with last season's runners-up Kakamega Homeboyz. He took over from Vincent Otieno who had been serving as a stand-in coach since July following the exit of Benjamin Nyangweso.
Mwalala will work alongside former Wazito coach Khamisi Abdallah Mohamed and Otieno as his deputies. The Nakuru-based soldiers will be relying on Mwalala's expertise and experience to end their 12-year title drought.
The last time they garnished their cabinet with the coveted silverware was in 2010. They are the only side besides AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to have won three consecutive titles from 2003 to 2005.
Mwalala proved his mettle in the dugout after twice guiding Bandari to a second-place finish behind record champions Gor Mahia. He also powered the Dockers to the Caf Confederation Cup play-off stage in 2019 where they crashed to Guinea's Horoya AC.
Mwalala was sent packing by Homeboyz after failing to deliver the title last season. The club wrapped up their campaign second behind champions Tusker despite having maintained a firm lead for the better part of the season.
The two sides finished level on 66 points with the brewers enjoying a healthier goal difference. Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula said they opted to part ways with coach Mwalala and the entire technical bench, citing discipline issues.
Former Vihiga Bullets head coach Edward Manoah has since stepped into Mwalala's shoes.
