National Super League side, Kisumu All Stars coach Salim Babu has downplayed the departure of seven players from the team.
“We lost seven players who joined Kenya Premier League and National Super League teams. Six of the players joined KPL teams and that confirms that we are doing a good job as a team,” said Babu.
Those who joined KPL teams were last year’s NSL top scorer Tanui Emoni (Posta Rangers), John Otieno, Stephen Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), Martin Oduor (Vihiga Bullets) and Alvin Ochieng. Kevington Machika signed for newly promoted Talanta FC while Fredrick Omondi signed for Silibwet Leons.
“I’m happy for them and I wish them well. It makes me proud as a coach because the players have joined the top tier league. I have already started rebuilding the team and I hope to finish this business by next week,” said the coach.
He added: “When players leave at the end of the season, it gives you time to sign new players. The departures will also give a chance to players who played a fringe role last season to compete for the starting lineup.”
Babu said the Kisumu County-sponsored team will compete for promotion to the KPL after missing out this season by a whisker.
“NSL will definitely be very competitive. However, our target is to return to the top tier league,” said the former defender.
He said they have lined up six friendly matches against KPL and lower tier teams before the season kicks off. The National Super League will kick off on November 6.
Meanwhile, four NSL teams have changed their names. Western Stima will now be known as Kisumu United FC while Coast Stima have rebranded as Coastal Heroes. The two teams lost their Kenya Power sponsorship.
Modern Coast Rangers will now be known as Mombasa Elite FC while Mt Kenya United 's new name is Dandora Love. Naivas FC will make their debut in the second tier league after emerging winners in FKF Division One Zone A.
The winners of Zone 'B' will join Naivas while the third team will be determined in one off play off between teams that finished second in both zones. SS Assad finished second in Zone A. Balaji FC, Congo Boys and Dummen Orange were relegated.
