Fortune Sacco's Odero rallies charges ahead of defining Kisumu clash

Fortune Sacco Head Coach Sylvestre Odero is optimistic his side can bounce back from last weekend’s disappointment as they prepare to face Kisumu Allstars in a crucial National Super League clash on Saturday.

Currently sitting fifth on the standings with 57 points from 34 matches, Fortune Sacco are still in the promotion race, though a 2-1 loss last weekend to fellow promotion hopefuls Darajani Gogo dented their chances of opening a four-point gap over the Kibera-based outfit.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on Friday, as the team prepared to leave Kirinyaga for Kisumu, Odero said he understands the immense pressure on his charges’ shoulders but believes they will do the job, as they are truly longing to play in the Premier League next season.

"The pressure is on us now that we dropped points last weekend, but we are fully focused on Saturday’s game. We’re going to Kisumu with one goal — to grab the maximum points. Hopefully, other results will favour us, but our main target is to win the match and let the rest take care of itself," said Odero.

Last weekend's defeat to Darajani Gogo dealt a blow to Fortune's push for a Premier League promotion playoff slot. Odero pointed to defending set pieces as a major weakness that cost them dearly.

"We were undone by set pieces. One goal came from a throw-in and another from a free-kick. It’s been a recurring issue — all the seven goals we've conceded in 11 matches have come from set pieces. But we’ve worked on that weakness this week, specifically with Saturday’s match in mind," he explained.

Despite the setback, Odero believes his players have mentally recovered and are ready for the task ahead.

"Saturday was tough. The boys were really down, so I gave them Sunday off to recover. On Monday, they were back and looked sharp. We’ve trained well since then, and I can confidently say their mood is okay heading into the weekend," he noted.

Odero, a teacher by profession, says he will miss the services of three crucial players, though they are likely to make a late call on two among them who trained with the team during the week. They will wait for a final assessment report by the club medics.

"Kelvin Maina picked up a knock last weekend and is not fully fit, though he managed one training session this week. Isaac Munyagia is ruled out, and Henry Gachoki is doubtful. Still, all three have travelled with the team to Kisumu," Odero confirmed.

Meanwhile, third-placed Darajani Gogo will host Luanda Villa at Kibera, while fourth-placed Naivas FC (59 points) play away to leaders Nairobi United. Naivas, who were knocked out of the promotion play-off by Sofapaka 3-0 on aggregate last season, will look to win their match and hope that Gogo and Fortune FC falter, giving them a chance to move to third and get closer to promotion in their second consecutive attempt.

Odero, a CAF B license holder, took charge of the team in April 2025 following the resignation of Michael Etimong in March. Etimong stepped down after a poor run that saw him win only two of his last 10 games, drawing four and losing four.

Since Odero's appointment, Fortune Sacco went on an unbeaten streak of 10 games—registering eight wins and two draws—before suffering a defeat to Darajani Gogo last weekend."

Nairobi United [72] and APS Bomet [65] have both secured the first two promotion slots. The latter secured promotion after they were awarded the three points from the Kibera match that was aborted with both teams tied at 1-1.