DESPITE suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat to Young Africans at KMC Stadium on Wednesday, KenGold FC remain hopeful of avoiding relegation from the Premier League this season.

Young Africans dominated the match, scoring four goals in the first half and adding two more after the break. KenGold’s only response came from Selemani Bwezi, who netted a stunning long-range consolation goal.

Pacome Zouzoua, Duke Abuya, Clement Mzize (brace), and Prince Dube (brace) were on target for Young Africans, who extended their lead at the top of the table to 45 points. Simba SC, who were to play later yesterday against Fountain Gate, remain close behind with 43 points.

KenGold’s performance was hampered by the absence of key signings, including center-backs Kelvin Yondani and Steven Duah, who are yet to be registered. 

Head coach Vladislav Heric (pictured) was forced to improvise, deploying defensive midfielder Zawadi Mauya as a makeshift center-back.

The Mbeya-based side showed little improvement after the month-long league break, struggling with defensive coordination and leaving gaps for Young Africans to exploit. 

Their defensive setup often lacked numbers, making it easier for the champions to find scoring opportunities.

Assistant coach Omary Kapilima acknowledged the challenges of integrating new players into the squad within a short period. He urged his team to adapt quickly as KenGold face a critical phase in their battle against relegation.

Kapilima, who previously served as interim head coach following Fikiri Elias’s resignation, now works alongside Serbian coach Heric.

Heric, appointed on a six-month contract with an optional one-year extension based on Premier League survival, has the tough task of steering KenGold away from the relegation zone.

Kapilima, however, remains confident that the team can collect crucial points in the coming fixtures.

"I want to congratulate both our players and Young Africans for a competitive match. Unfortunately, we didn’t perform to our potential today," Kapilima admitted.

"Our team struggled with coordination, and we failed to effectively defend against Young Africans' attacking movements. They took advantage of the spaces we left open, which led to our downfall.

"It’s disappointing to lose in this manner, but we must stay focused on our survival goal. Our newly signed defenders, Kelvin Yondani and Steven Duah, are yet to receive their permits, which has disrupted our defensive structure.

"We have 13 matches left, including eight crucial home games. We must capitalize on these opportunities to secure the necessary points to avoid relegation," Kapilima emphasized.

KenGold remain at the bottom of the Premier League with just six points from 17 matches - one win, three draws, and 12 losses. They have scored 12 goals while conceding 35, resulting in a goal difference of -23.

Their next fixture is a tough away match against in-form Tabora United. Anicet Kiazayidi’s Tabora side head into the game in fine form, having recently defeated Namungo FC 2-1 at home.