Blow as Kariobangi Sharks lose Ally Salum to injury

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Muluya admitted the striker’s absence will be a huge setback for the team, especially as their push to move away from the relegation zone had started to gather momentum.

“He sustained an ankle injury against Tusker. It looks serious and according to our medical team’s report, he may not play again this season. It’s a huge blow to us considering he has been our main hope in achieving our target of avoiding relegation,” said Muluya.

The tactician added that Salum had been instrumental in the club’s recent improvement, having scored crucial goals during their five-match unbeaten run.

“Salum has been very important to us. In the last five matches where we remained unbeaten, he scored in every game. His goals helped us move out of the danger zone and gave the team momentum. I don’t know who will replace him yet, but we will try to see if David Majak, who is still working his way back to form after injury, can step up,” he added.

At the same time, Muluya challenged his players to raise their performance levels and take greater responsibility if the team is to avoid relegation this season. He criticized the individual mistakes that led to the defeat against Tusker.

He pointed out that despite preparing the team well, the players must also play their part on the pitch, particularly in player-to-player marking.

“Like in the second goal, it was Keegan Ndemi’s responsibility to close down and narrow the gap on the scorer, Ian Simiyu, to prevent that goal,” he explained.

Muluya also expressed frustration with goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa, who he believes was partly responsible for the decisive moment in the match.

“I also have an issue with Wekesa, who asked his defenders to leave the ball for him to collect. I didn’t understand how he ended up making that blunder. He had been outstanding in the previous five matches, but he must take responsibility for the goal that handed Tusker maximum points when we thought we would at least walk away with a draw,” he lamented.

The coach further stressed that while coaches are often blamed when results go wrong, players must also be accountable for their actions on the pitch.

“When a team is not performing, the coach gets blamed. But when players are not responsible in what they do, they should also be blamed and take responsibility. They have to explain themselves,” he said after the match.

Before the loss to Tusker, the Kariobangi-based club had enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run, winning two and drawing three.

The Kenyan Premier League will take a break this weekend to pave the way for the FKF Cup Round of 32 matches. The pause will give the Sharks time to regroup before traveling to Gusii to face Shabana FC, before hosting Posta Rangers a week later.

Kariobangi Sharks currently sit 14th on the league table with 22 points from 23 matches, just three points above the relegation zone.