Bandari set sights on ending 60-year coastal title drought in FKF Premier League

©Bandari

FOOTBALL Bandari set sights on ending 60-year coastal title drought in FKF Premier League

Festus Chuma 14:09 - 04.01.2024

Bandari CEO Tony Kibwana aims to end a 60-year drought and challenge Gor Mahia's dominance in Kenyan football.

Bandari CEO Tony Kibwana is setting his sights high, aiming to lead his team to break a nearly six-decade-long drought for the coastal region in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).

The last time a team from this region claimed the title was in 1965, courtesy of Feisal FC.

Kibwana, a former footballer and the current Head of Security at the Kenya Ports Authority is determined to see Bandari FC emulate Feisal's success and end Tusker and Gor Mahia's long-standing dominance.

In an impassioned statement, Kibwana expressed his concerns and aspirations.

"Bandari FC is the sole representative of the Coastal region in the FKF Premier League. The last time a team from Coastal Kenya won the Premier League was back in 1965, and that was Feisal FC. It's quite striking that almost 60 years have passed without a team from this talent-rich region clinching the league title," he said.

Kibwana believes that the region's rich football heritage and talent have not been sufficiently leveraged in recent decades.

“This history prompts a serious reflection on why, despite the abundance of football talent, no team from the region has managed to win the league in all these years. This is a rallying call for fans from across the region and beyond to throw their support behind Bandari FC,” he added.

The CEO's vision for Bandari is not just about winning the cup this season but setting a precedent for future successes.

“Our goal at Bandari is not only to win the cup this season but also to set a precedent for future successes. Teams like Gor Mahia, with their twenty league wins, serve as a benchmark for us. 

"This season, Bandari FC is poised to make our fans proud, and together, we aim to reach our goals and end the 60-year wait for a league victory," Kibwana concluded.

The rich history of Feisal FC, particularly the exploits of players like Kadir Farah, Ahmed Breik, Ali Kajo, and later legends like Kitwana Ramadhan and Livingstone Madegwa, serves as an inspiration for Bandari.

Farah, a playmaker par excellence, was known for his magical ball control and distribution, making him a pivotal figure in the team's success.

 Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.

Bandari, currently fifth in the league standings with 26 points and eight points behind leaders Gor Mahia, is gearing up for a formidable challenge. Their aim is not only to win but to reignite the passion and pride of the coastal region in Kenyan football.