Festus Asule (CAF C License) – Head Coach, Othaya Green Santos FC
After a commanding 3–1 Nyeri Derby victory over Karatina Homeboyz FC — ending their impressive eight-game unbeaten run — Head Coach Festus Asule spoke with clarity, conviction, and tactical depth.
Here is the refined and full interview:
Opening Reaction
Coach, congratulations. What does this victory mean to you and the club?
Thank you. Derby matches are always special — they define teams and inspire belief. I came into this match fully confident. We prepared thoroughly, and I knew we would get the result. Ending their unbeaten run is significant, not just for the table, but for our mentality. It boosts morale and proves our mental toughness.
Did you believe you could stop their momentum?
Absolutely. We believed from the start. We had a detailed week-long plan to neutralize their attacking threats. The first half was about control — keeping them away from dangerous areas and managing the tempo. The second half was about execution. It took 45 minutes of patience to set up how we would kill the game after the break.
Tactical Insight
You made two changes at halftime. What prompted that decision?
We weren’t compact enough defensively. They were dangerous aerially, and we lacked composure at the back. In midfield, I needed more fluidity — someone intelligent enough to carry the ball, attract two or three opponents, and create space. We weren’t breathing in those spaces, so the adjustments were necessary.
Rashid scored twice. Was that tactical?
Yes. They were playing a high defensive line. We introduced pace and direct attacking intent to exploit that space. Rashid has that killer instinct, and today he showed it.
The third goal from a corner was well executed. How important are set pieces?
Very important. Big players must be clinical in those moments. We work a lot on diagonal deliveries and positioning. We study different scenarios and focus on creating numerical superiority inside the opponent’s box. That goal was not luck — it was preparation.
Mental Strength
What did you tell the team after they equalized before halftime?
We needed more forward passing and to exploit the right side of their defense. I emphasized third-man combinations, making runs behind their backline, and ensuring our full-backs stepped into midfield when we had possession. Most importantly — communication and composure.
How did you prepare the team mentally for such a tense derby?
Through mental drills and constant team talks. We focused on the expected outcome and the standards required. In big matches, mentality is everything.
Key Moments
Were you concerned after their goalkeeper made a late double save?
Not really. By then, we had already controlled the game. Missed chances sometimes serve as reminders of your attacking strength. We had asserted dominance.
What was the turning point?
The halftime substitutions. I immediately saw the intent change. The team began advancing into more promising areas with clarity and confidence.
The Bigger Picture
Does this result change your ambitions for the season?
Ambitions don’t change based on one result. A season is reviewed over time. This victory is important for reference and reflection — but we remain focused.
With 12 matches remaining, how important was this statement?
In football, anyone can beat anyone. It’s crucial to announce your presence. Every team must prove a point. Today, we did.
Morale is higher, expectations are clearer, and the belief within the squad is stronger.
Editor’s Note
Coach Festus Asule’s words reflect a team that is not just playing with passion, but with structure, intelligence, and growing authority in Division 2.
Green Santos did not just win a derby — they delivered a statement.
