Coach Muyoti demands more from City Stars

Coach Muyoti demands more from City, Stars has had a blistering start to life at Nairobi City Stars, winning four of his first six matches in charge. Muyoti was appointed at the start of the season to take over the club after leaving Kakamega Homeboyz.

City Stars were without a head coach since the departure of Sanjin Alagic who left with around 10 games left in the season. Assistant coach John Amboko was handed over the mantle on interim basis.

Muyoti started off his tenure on a low, suffering a 3-1 loss at the hands of Sofapaka, but for the next five matches didn’t lose a game.

“We started slow because I think the players had not understood my philosophy and what I wanted as a coach. We had not yet reached to a place of understanding and such is always bound to happen,” Muyoti stated.

He added; “But once they grasped what I wanted for the team and how I wanted them to play, things became easier for me and for them.”

Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti gives instructions to defenders Salim Abdallah and Kennedy Onyango

They clinched three consecutive wins after that loss, beating new boys Kenya Police FC 2-0, Wazito FC 3-1 and Bidco United 2-0. They were pegged back with a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers, but bounced back with a resounding 4-0 victory over new boys Vihiga Bullets before the league went on a break.

“We played really well in that match and what I liked most is that we took the game with so much seriousness despite playing a side that had just started off their Premier League campaign and had lost all their matches. We showed a professional approach and that is what I always demand of my team,” Muyoti affirmed.

The brilliant start now sees City Stars sitting third in the standings with 13 points after six matches, only separated from leaders Gor Mahia by one point.

Despite the start, Muyoti says he is far from being satisfied.

Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti shares thoughts with assistant coach John Amboko

“It is a good run yes and I am really happy and proud of the players but we are far from being the product I want. We still need to do more, to work more and to play more solidly. The players know what I want and it is going to take a lot of hard work to ensure we maintain the good run we have had,” he added.

They get back to league action on Saturday when they take on another high flying side, Kariobangi Sharks at the Ruaraka Complex. Sharks have also been in sizzling form and this is set to be an entertaining clash to watch.

Coach Muyoti demands more from City Stars. Muyoti knows that he has taken a positive path with City Stars and his side will continue getting good results.

“I really feel comfortable here because the team receives so much support from the management. They are close to the team and have invested better. They are also run professionally and as a coach once you have this, then you get all the right ingredients to do well,” he noted.

Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti gestures during a past match

The tactician added; “Now the onus is on me as a coach to bring in the results and I will work hard to do so.”

Muyoti is returning to the City for the first time as a head coach, having worked in assistant roles at AFC Leopards and Thika United. He went on to serve as head coach at Bungoma-based Nzoia United before serving as Homeboyz coach for three seasons.

Back to the City, Muyoti is relishing the challenge.

“You know in Kakamega I was used to walking across to the training ground because it was just close to my place but now I am in the city where there is a lot of difference with traffic and all that and I have been forced to adjust. But I love it and I am relishing the challenge,” he added.