Nzoia Sugar have signed six players ahead of the Kenya Premier League kick-off on November 19.
The new signings include right-back Timothy Omondi (Posta Rangers), stopper Prince Ayieko(Vihiga United), midfielder Harun Thomas ( KCB), Winger Stephen Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), winger Aineah Asibwa (Green Commandos) and striker Yasin Sije (Mayenje Busia).
The club lost their top marksman Levis Okello who joined Kakamega Homeboyz and James Kibande who signed for big-spending Kenya Police.
Okello scored nine times for the sugar millers last season and Babu admitted that his departure is a huge blow.
“I wanted him to stay for one more season but he wanted to leave in search of greener pastures. We wish him well and I’m confident I have players capable of fitting in his place," said coach Salim Babu.
At the same time, he faulted the decision by the Football Kenya Federation Executive Committee to declare last season league null and void.
“This decision will have serious implications on the teams that had been promoted to various leagues. It actually kills the morale of teams like APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco who had been promoted to the Kenya Premier League,” opined Babu.
Nzoia Sugar resumed training on Thursday after a long break following the uncertainty over the league kick-off.
Babu said the team kick-started their training after FKF announced that the league will start on November 19.
“We decided to take a break due to the uncertainty which surrounded the league kick-off. We had trained for close to three months and felt that a break was the best for the players because they were becoming anxious,” said Babu.
He added: “We have now intensified our training and we are waiting for the fixtures to know our opponents in the opening match. The players are excited and in a buoyant mood ahead of the kickoff.”
Meanwhile, Shabana will on Saturday step up their pre-season training when they travel to Kericho for a friendly against Kericho Zoo.
According to the club’s secretary Elizaphan Kerama, the club’s technical bench led by coach Okoth is almost done with assembling their squad for next season. So far, 23 players have been enlisted for next season.
The National Super League will kick off on November 26.
