APS Bomet in the KPL to stay, says Pamzo

According to the coach, last weekend, the Bomet-based outfit put in a strong performance in a 2-1 loss to current leaders Gor Mahia at the fully packed Kericho Green Stadium. This display has kept coach Omollo’s hopes high with 14 matches remaining in the season.

Reflecting on the loss to Gor Mahia, ‘Pamzo’ expressed satisfaction with his team’s growing confidence.

“I was impressed with how the boys played, especially when building the game from the back. It’s only that during the build-up we made a mistake that allowed Gor Mahia to score. We’ve had a tendency to concede early, which makes it difficult to recover. When you lose to Gor Mahia and you play well, I think you just have to be proud of yourself,” underscored Pamzo.

“We will continue building play from the back, since we have been doing this in other matches and it has been paying off so well. It’s only that today we played against a very experienced side who took advantage of our single mistake and capitalised on it. We tried everything possible, especially with the substitutions I made, but unfortunately it did not work,” he lamented.

The tactician left Posta Rangers to take up the APS Bomet job with the team positioned 17th on the table with 13 points. However, in the seven Premier League matches he has overseen, he has managed one win, two draws, and four losses. The five points collected have helped move the team from 17th to 15th after 20 rounds of matches.

The Premier League-winning tactician with Tusker in 2016 believes his squad is beginning to find its rhythm and is confident they can pick up crucial points, starting with their next match away to defending champions Police FC.

“I’m seeing the hunger in my players — the same hunger that got us that big 2-1 win over the same opponents. If we carry that into our upcoming matches, I know we shall find the rhythm we require to build on our survival chances,” he said.

This is the club’s debut season in the top-tier league, and the former Gor Mahia tactician believes they will survive the drop at the end of the campaign.

“For us to ensure we remain in the Premier League, we have to beat teams below us and those slightly above us. We have to take three points from them.

“The foundation is there; everything is working. We are comfortable on the ball. We are only going to work on defending because that is where we need slight adjustments,” he expressed optimism.

Despite their current struggles, the former Police FC coach is adamant that survival is within reach, as he also calls on the club’s supporters to rally behind them during this crucial period.

“I have spoken to the players and the management as well, and we believe we are going to survive the relegation axe. The belief from the players is there.

“We have all agreed that fourteen games are enough to save our season. The fight starts now — against Police,” he emphasised.

“I urge our fans to continue supporting us, not just at home but also during away matches. Their presence lifts the players and gives us the energy to fight on,” appealed Pamzo.

Gor Mahia had taken a 2-0 lead before Hansel Ochieng reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute. However, the league leaders held on to secure maximum points.

Hansel had scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, and Pamzo believes that had he been fit to start, the result might have been different.

“We missed Hansel in the first 45 minutes, but it was due to medical advice. He had just come back from a lay-off, and I think 45 minutes were okay against Gor. If he regains full fitness by the time we play our next match, he will definitely start,” he said, expressing delight at the forward’s return.

As the relegation battle intensifies, all eyes will be on Pamzo to see if he can steer APS Bomet to safety, restore faith among the fans, and secure another season in Kenya’s top flight.

With just 14 matches remaining, APS Bomet are 15th on the table with 18 points from 20 matches, just above the relegation zone on a goal difference of -7.

Kariobangi Sharks, who are also fighting to avoid the drop, are 16th on 18 points with a goal difference of -22.