The Ulinzi Complex in Lang’ata is set to crackle with tension as the Afande Derby returns, and Ulinzi Stars are determined to turn a bruising run of form into a statement night. After three straight defeats, the once-dominant Soldiers are sharpening their resolve — and their striker Boniface Muchiri has issued a rallying cry: this is the moment to reclaim pride.
A Team Under Fire
Ulinzi’s slide has been painfully precise: a 1-0 loss to Mathare United, a 2-1 setback to Murang’a Seal, and another 1-0 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks. The last victory came on November 9, leaving the Soldiers with a nearly three-month drought that has tested both morale and patience. Once four-time league champions, Ulinzi now sit 14th with 17 points from 19 games, while rivals Kenya Police loom in fifth with 29 points and the favourites’ tag.
Muchiri’s Challenge
Speaking to Pulse Sport from training at the Ulinzi Complex, Muchiri framed the derby as more than three points. He called it a chance to reset the season and restore the team’s fighting identity. He admitted confidence has dipped but insisted hunger remains: training intensity is high, mistakes are being corrected, and the squad’s spirit is intact. “Derbies are about character,” he said, urging teammates to match words with action.
New Leadership, Fresh Energy
A change on the touchline has injected fresh momentum. Stephen Ocholla, the former captain, has replaced Dunstan Nyaudo as head coach — a move Muchiri believes will restore discipline and unity. Ocholla’s history with the club, his understanding of its culture, and his emphasis on accountability have already lifted the camp’s mood, the striker said, adding that leadership on and off the pitch will be vital.
Tactical Focus and Fine Margins
Ulinzi’s recent defeats have been narrow, and Muchiri insists the solution lies in eliminating tiny lapses. Against a physically disciplined Kenya Police side, concentration from the first whistle is non-negotiable. The team has worked on clinical finishing in the final third; chances have been created but not converted, and efficiency will be the difference. “You might only get two or three clear opportunities — take one,” Muchiri warned.
Pride, Passion, and Home Advantage
The Afande Derby has always been a battle of grit, and Muchiri expects no less. He appealed to supporters to stay loyal, arguing that fan energy can turn tight contests into triumphs. As captain, he pledged to lift younger players and lead by example, insisting that a bad run will not define Ulinzi’s season. “We may be 14th, but our hearts and will to win can defy the standings,” he declared.
Sunday’s clash promises raw emotion, tactical chess, and a chance for redemption. For Ulinzi Stars, it is more than a match — it is a test of identity, leadership, and the stubborn belief that a single derby can change everything.
