Sacha Slipper strap confusion

[GrumpyGramma]

I'm finishing a pair of Sacha Slippers and the directions for the Center Strap aren't making sense to me. I can make it work, but I want to know where I'm misunderstanding. I've found no corrections.

From the pattern

Center Strap: With straight needles, using MC, cast on 16 sts.

Row 1: K9, bind off 6 sts.

Row 2: K1, cast on 6 sts, k9. Rep Rows 1 and 2 once more. Bind off. Sew short end of strap without holes to bound-off sts where toe was divided for sides.

When I cast on 16 sts then K9 and BO 6, I have 2 sts left on my needle.

Am I doing the bind off count incorrectly? Or am I supposed to have 2 sts remaining and only work one on Row 2? I'm confused, obviously.

Anyhow, I will as I said make it work or I'll find out what I'm doing wrong and make it right. Either way, they're nearly done.