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Shabana coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo lays down the law to players amid relegation threat.
Shabana FC head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo did not mince his words when he laid bare the reasons behind Lamela Maneno's early substitution during the nail-biting clash against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday.
The match, which held the breath of every spectator, saw Maneno, a mid-season acquisition from Tanzanian outfit Singida Fountain Gate, being replaced by Benard Onyando in the 34th minute.
This tactical maneuver unfolded after Ulinzi seized the lead through Masuta Masita's sensational header, a goal that followed a free-kick awarded against Maneno.
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Explaining his decision, coach Omollo highlighted that Maneno's early exit from the game was not a mere tactical shuffle but a necessary response to an underwhelming performance.
"It wasn't a tactical decision. He was having an off day, as seen early on when he committed an unnecessary foul and struggled with aerial balls. The best decision was to rest him, and after making that substitution, our defense appeared much more stable," he stated.
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In a tone reflecting both determination and a no-nonsense approach, Pamzo conveyed his readiness to make tough calls if they serve the team's interests.
"Moving forward, if I feel a player isn't contributing as expected, I will not hesitate to make a change," he noted firmly, signaling a stern warning to his squad.
The Shabana coach also took the opportunity to outline his strategy to steer the team away from the relegation zone.
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With the league matches piling up, Pamzo's focus remains unshakably on survival and improvement.
"We still have many matches ahead, and our dream of escaping relegation remains strong. Each match is a final for us, and I am confident we will overcome our current challenges," he confidently declared.
Reflecting on the recent defeat, Pamzo acknowledged Ulinzi's seasoned approach to controlling the game's tempo but emphasized the need for his team to capitalize on their opportunities.
"The responsibility lies with us; we simply didn't capitalize on the opportunities presented in the game. Ulinzi is seasoned and managed to control the game's pace, slowing it down. However, we must now return to the drawing board and prepare for our next game against Nairobi City Stars," he added, highlighting the immediate focus on the upcoming fixture.
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17:00 - 20.01.2024
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With their next FKF Premier League outing set against Nairobi City Stars on February 2, Shabana, currently 17th on the log with 17 points from 19 games, faces an uphill battle.
Their record of four wins, five draws, and ten losses underscores the urgency of Pamzo's rallying cry to his players.
As Shabana gears up for their crucial encounter away from home, the stakes could not be higher.
With the 'riot act' read and the game plan set, Shabana's quest for redemption and a climb up the league standings is a narrative filled with anticipation and hope.
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