Bandari turn to youngsters Gitama, Izzadin for long-term success

The duo were among three players who earned promotion to the senior team from the youth ranks in January for the second leg of the FKF-Premier League. Others David Wanyama, Renson Wakalo and Hamisi Nyale.

Izzadin ,18, came off the bench to score an equalizer during 2-2 draw against Sofapaka at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County last weekend while Gitama, 17, has been tormenting opponent sides in recent league matches.

Gitama, a Form Four student at Serani Secondary School, was part of Talanta Hela Under-19 team that camped in Spain for an exhibition tournament last month, and he played a crucial role to help the side win the Costa Daurada Cup, emerging the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.

“Firstly, I thank our youth side coach Alex Shikanga and Team Manager Swaleh Abdallah for the boys, we are going to develop them further because I still believe they have the capabilities of attaining higher level. But so far we’ve benefited a lot from them.

“Bandari’s future is safe with the two boys and others who we’ve promoted to the senior ranks. We will build our squad around these two boys as we aim to do well in FKF-PL next season,” Baraza told Citizen Digital.

On his side, Bandari Youth team manager Abdallah said the duo have been influential in the youth side, helping the team win Chapa Dimba Coast title.

"They are training twice a day, both with the senior team and Youth team and that is what makes them different. We promoted five youngsters but luckily Izzadin and Willy made it fully to the senior team".

“We saw the impact they made in the Sofapaka and Muhoroni match, simply because of their hard work and dedication and showing us that football is changing and youths deserve more playing time,” he added.

Bandari FC are fourth in FKF-Premier League standings on 48 points, 15 points behind already-crowned champions Gor Mahia, with three matches left to play.

After the FIFA international break, the Dockers will play second-placed Tusker on June 15 at Ruaraka Stadium.