Naivas boss reflects on what could have been following FKF playoff heartbreak

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Naivas boss reflects on what could have been following FKF playoff heartbreak

Mark Kinyanjui 16:04 - 16.07.2024

Naivas coach Collins Omondi Korea has done a postmortem on his team's season after failing to secure promotion to the FKF Premier League.

Naivas head coach Collins Omondi ‘Korea’ has slammed his side’s inability to ‘keep things simple’ as they missed out on a glorious chance to qualify for next season’s FKF Premier League following a 2-0 aggregate playoff loss to Sofapaka.

Naivas lost the first leg 1-0 at the Police Sacco Stadium before succumbing to a similar margin in Dandora to consign them to at least another season of second division football.

Speaking following their loss, a visibly frustrated Korea blamed his side’s inability to keep things simple and the desire to play the right way.

Naivas created nearly seven big chances over the two legs but failed to maximise on those opportunities, while Sofapaka scored both their goals with practically their only chances of the match

“We tried working on it but the painful thing is we were the second most prolific team in the division but coming to the playoffs, we created seven big chances but failed to score any goal,” Korea stated.

“Sofapaka had one or two chances and they utilised them. We have to work out where we went wrong and make corrections.”

Despite being a leading force in their division, Naivas' form dwindled towards the season’s end. Teams like Mathare and Mara Sugar, who were promoted to the Premier League, faced similar setbacks. Naivas managed to regain momentum, finishing in third place and earning a playoff spot.

Reflecting on the season, Korea emphasized the need for clinical finishing and simplicity in play to avoid future disappointments. He acknowledged Sofapaka’s efficiency and credited them for their playoff success.

“We need to be more clinical. If we had been more effective, things would have been different. The difference between us and their players is that they kept things simple. We tried to complicate things too much as if to prove a point and you see where it took us," he added.

“With results, it is not about being aesthetic. It is about goals. Sofapaka beat us fair and square. Sofapaka are a good team and we are also a good team. To qualify, I need to play a good team. I needed to have confidence in my team. To qualify, I need to play a good team. Sofapaka were a good team and credit to them.”

Naivas will now be looking to address these issues in preparation for next season, aiming to secure promotion and achieve their FKF Premier League aspirations.

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