Hiring a new coach and replacing three of their departed mainstays is top on Gaspo Women's plans ahead of the new season, team manager Edward Githua has revealed.
Gaspo parted ways with coach Domitira Wangui at the end of last season while Bertha Omita, Corazon Acquino and Pauline Kathuruh left for greener pastures outside Kenyan borders.
Githua said they have already identified potential recruits, who will be revealed once a new coach takes charge, before Monday.
The Kenya Women's Premier League season kicks off on September 24, after being delayed for almost a month from the initial date — August 27.
"We need at least five new players but the priority is to replace the experienced trio. We will bolster all areas and will only sign players who fit the criteria," Githua said.
Acquino, who skippered the side to a third-place finish with 40 points last season, signed for Tanzania giants Simba. The much-traveled and dynamic midfielder played previously donned jerseys of Soka Queens, Vihiga Queens and Atletico Paranense in Portugal.
Omita, a striker by trade, found a new home in India after inking a deal with Gokulam Kelara. Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Kathuruh will turn out for Tanzania's Yanga Princes.
"The work rate of the new players will be considered. We won't go for blockbuster names this time as we try to build a team capable of mounting a title challenge," said Githua.
"So far we have 32 applicants for the vacant coaching role. The one chosen to replace Domitira Wangui must have the minimum qualification of CAF licence 'C' and we hope he or she hits the ground running."
Githua was also optimistic that the FKF Transition Committee will extend the transfer deadline that is set to end on August 28. He decried that clubs cannot, at the moment, register players since the online registration system is yet to be opened.
"The transfer window expires at the end of the month but nothing has been done yet. The online registration system is not active at the moment and the only possible scenario is for the Transition Committee to extend the period," he said.
