Kenya Premier League side Nairobi City Stars have parted ways with left-back Wesley Onguso and winger Azizi Okaka.
The two left Simba wa Nairobi after the expiry of their contracts. They join Bolton Omwenga, who was released two weeks ago to join Vodacom Premier League side Kagera Sugar and Yusuf Lubowa, who left on mutual consent.
Onguso joined City Stars in July 2019 while in the second-tier National Super League (NSL) and was critical to the team's promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) at the end of the 2019/20 season.
He renewed his contract for one more season after promotion, running it down to the end. Okaka joined the City Stars stable in January 2020 for one and a half seasons.
Lubowa arrived in September 2020 on a two-year deal but has now returned home to Uganda after reaching an agreement with the club.
“We thank Onguso, Azizi and Lubowa for the services rendered to Nairobi City Stars and for their commitment to the club in the ended year that had great challenges of its own,” club Chief Executive Officer Patrick Korir told the club’s official portal.
“I cannot thank Onguso and Okaka enough for their professionalism and dedication that led the club to promotion to the top tier after four seasons and Lubowa, who added punch to the squad after that elevation.”
“Onguso, Okaka and Lubowa are all great people and I wish them all the very best in their future ventures. Once a Simba wa Nairobi, always a Simba wa Nairobi,” concluded Korir
Onguso said: “It has been a superb two seasons with the family of Nairobi City Stars. Sometimes it’s not easy to say goodbye to my teammates, who are part of my family. But since it’s the end of my contract, we’re parting ways as a family where a father gives a son a leeway to start his family.”
“It was great working with City Stars and hopefully, we can meet some other time. City Stars will be my home forever. I wish Simba wa Nairobi a great season ahead.”
Replacements for the departing players have since been sought and will be announced in due course upon completion of formalities, added Korir.
At the same time, the team have resumed training after a nine-day break.
"We are now back in training after a much-needed rest. The player numbers is good as almost all of them are back in town and raring to go,” said coach John Amboko.
“We will pick it up gradually then up the tempo in training as days go by in preparing for the new season in under four weeks time,” he added.
