Forward Michael Madoya and left-back Dennis Wanjala have joined Nairobi City Stars on three and one-year deals respectively.
Simba wa Nairobi acquired Wanjala from rivals Nzoia Sugar where he plied trade for close to four seasons.
Club CEO Patrick Korir said they had rummaged through the ongoing transfer window and identified Wanjala as a suitable replacement for Bolton Omwenga, who joined Biashara United in the Tanzanian Premier League.
“Wanjala is a direct replacement for Bolton Omwenga who left the club to pursue other interests. Wanjala still had a contract with Nzoia Sugar but, after successful negotiations, he was allowed to leave and join Simba wa Nairobi. We thank Nzoia Sugar for being very professional in the discussions and for having the interest of the player at heart,” said Korir.
On the other hand, Madoya will be relieved to find a new home after being offloaded by champions Tusker in a shocking shake-up that also claimed 10 of his teammates.
Korir said Madoya would fill the gap occasioned by the departure of Azizi Okaka, who left after the expiry of this contract at season end.
“Madoya joins in after being freed up by Tusker and, we believe, given his experience, will add the right punch up front,” said Korir.
At City Stars, Madoya will be welcomed by former Zoo Kericho teammate Nicholas Kipkirui, who was acquired from Gor Mahia mid-last season.
“He now links up with his former Zoo FC teammate Kipkirui. The two had a lethal combination back in the 2017 season for Zoo and a revisit of that partnership played a big part in his acquisition,” added Korir.
Wanjala will don jersey 26 that belonged to Bolton as Madoya settles for his preferred jersey number 5.
Meanwhile, Korir said that they had former Kariobangi Sharks defender Boniface Mwangemi will not be joining them after all.
“He had hoped to link up with us for next season but, unfortunately, he came for trials when we had already raised a full squad of 30 players,” said Korir.
Mwangemi was among the players that parted ways with Kariobangi Sharks at the end of the season.
City Stars will look to a better performance in the coming season after securing former Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Nicholas Muyoti.
Their first engagement of the season will be against Sofapaka at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
