Limping Bandari FC face a litmus test in form of Nzoia Sugar at Mbaraki sports ground in Mombasa in one of the nine matches lined up on Saturday.

The Dockers, who are placed in an odd ninth position in the pecking order, have lately not been performing well to the chagrin of their fans but the team’s coach Anthony “Modo” Kimani has declared that it’s not over yet until it’s over.

“Yes, we have not lived up to our expectations and would ordinarily be expected to grace the first three positions at this point in time. We started the league badly but I believe that there is still room to catch up with the leading pack,” said Kimani.

Added the former AFC Leopards midfield enforcer: “For heaven’s sake, don’t be fooled by the performance of Bandari. The players have been showing a lot of character and if you may ask me, it would be foolhardy for anyone to brand us a disgrace.”

Placed in the ninth position in the chart, Bandari lost 2-1 to Tusker in their latest fixture with Kimani sending warning signals that they will settle for nothing short of making amends and especially on the strength of signing quality players in the mini transfer window.

“We respect Nzoia as one of the leading title contenders but let them know that we are also eager to claim our rightful place in the league and as such, they should not expect any favors in Mombasa. I anticipate a very difficult game but it will also be a good test for us as far as progress is concerned,” quipped Kimani.

In a bid to improve their fortunes, Bandari have signed journeyman Amos Asembeka, Joe Waithera from Wazito with Johanna Mwita, their top scorer in last year’s campaign with eight strikes, also back in the groove after talking a sabbatical to attend to domestic issues.

Also in the list is goalkeeper Said Alele who had a stint with Somali side Benadir Telcom with the glove-man battling for the starting list with regular Michael Wanyika.

As Bandari go hunting for maximum points at home, Gor Mahia’s resole to remain at the top will come under scrutiny when they face Bidco United in a grudge match at Nyayo Stadium.

Bidco under the tutelage of Anthony Akhulia disappointed their fans after losing 2-1 to Gor in Thika in the first leg on November 25, 2022 and thus have a bone to grind with K’Ogalo.