Mara Sugar, one of the newly promoted teams in the FKF Premier League, has started their top-tier campaign in impressive fashion. After 11 games, they sit 5th on the table with 16 points, courtesy of four wins, four draws, and three losses. This balanced performance reflects a team that has quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football, blending attacking creativity and defensive stability.

Attacking Performance

The Millers have shown a strong intent to attack, registering 126 shot attempts so far. These include 36 shots on target, 64 off-target, and 26 blocked. Notably, most of their efforts have come from outside the box, with 65 attempts compared to 49 from inside the penalty area. Meshack Karani leads with seven shots inside the box, while Mathias Isogol tops the tally for shots outside the box with 17. The team has also recorded 12 box carries, with Batts Awita leading the charge into the opponent's penalty area five times. In terms of box touches, Mike Isambwa leads with eight, closely followed by Samuel Otieno, Meshack Karani, Dennis Cheruyoit, and Batts Awita, each with seven.

With crosses, Mara Sugar has made 47 from the right flank, of which 7 were blocked, 9 completed, and 31 incomplete. On the left, they have delivered 27 crosses, with 3 blocked, 3 completed, and 21 incomplete. Batts Awita and Mike Isambwa lead the team in crosses from the right, with 11 and 8, respectively. On the left flank, Woodvine Okoth has delivered 10 crosses, followed by Samuel Otieno with 6 and Mike Isambwa with 4. This balanced use of both flanks has added diversity to their attacking strategy but they will need to improve on the completion of the crosses from both flanks.

Mara Sugar has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in set pieces, scoring 6 of their 12 goals from dead-ball situations. Meshack Karani is the team’s top scorer with four goals, while Samuel Otieno, Mike Isambwa, and Mathias Isogol have netted two each. The team has also scored five goals from open play and one from a quick transition. Assists have been well distributed, with Mathias Isogol and Batts Awita leading with two each, and Woodvine Okoth and Brian Ochieng contributing one each.

Defensive Resilience

Defensively, Mara Sugar has been solid, conceding only eight goals in 11 games. Of these, three came from open play, two from counterattacks, and the rest from set pieces, including a corner, a free kick, and a throw-in. Their defensive actions are highlighted by 196 clearances, with Drone Openda leading with 54, followed by Vincent Mulama with 32. The team has also intercepted the ball 74 times, with Mathias Isogol leading this category with 22 interceptions.

Mara Sugar has shown tactical depth in aerial duel. The team has won 52 aerial duels, with Joseph Okwenda (11), David Owino (10), and Mathias Isogol (9) excelling in this department. In terms of progressive passing, the team has attempted 56, completing 24. Mathias Isogol leads with 17 progressive passes, showcasing his creativity and importance in midfield.

Goalkeeper’s Impact

Goalkeeper Felix Adoyo has been a standout performer for the Millers, making 38 saves so far this season. He has also made seven run-outs, six of which were successful, and has conceded just eight goals in 11 matches. Impressively, Adoyo has kept four clean sheets, underlining his reliability and composure in crucial moments. His performances have provided the team with a solid foundation at the back, significantly contributing to Mara Sugar's steady start in the FKF Premier League.

Mara Sugar’s performance in their debut season highlights a team with great potential and tactical discipline. Key players like Meshack Karani, Mathias Isogol, and Felix Adoyo have been instrumental in their success so far. If the Millers can maintain this momentum, they could secure a top-half finish and potentially aim for even greater achievements in the FKF Premier League. Their journey so far is a testament to their determination and resilience in Kenya’s top football division.

Feature Image Credit: Mara Sugar