Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards have confirmed the signing of Harambee Stars midfielder Cliff Nyakeya on a one-year deal.
The fleet-footed midfielder, who joined the 13-time Kenyan champions in March last year from top-tier rivals Wazito, said he was elated after landing a permanent deal.
"I'm happy to have extended my stay at AFC Leopards. Looking forward to a great pre-season as we prepare for the new season," Nyakeya said while confirming the development on Wednesday.
Prior to linking up with Wazito, Nyakeya played for Mathare United between 2016 and 2019 before joining the Egyptian side, Al Masry.
In October 2020, Nyakeya was the toast for Kenya in a friendly match against Chipolopolo of Zambia, where he scored the only goal in the encounter at the Nyayo Stadium.
Also extending his stay for the next year is fullback Washington Munene, who will be doing his third season at the Den after joining from Wazito.
"I love this club and I feel like part of this family. Pleased to have extended my stay here. I want to continue at this amazing club very excited for the future," Munene said.
Munene has been a key and consistent feature in the starting lineup since his arrival.
Seasoned winger, Jaffari Owiti, has also linked up with the club after recovering from an injury he sustained in a league match during the 2020/2021 season.
Owiti underwent an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery procedure that kept him out of action for an entire season.
Owiti, who joined the club in January 2018 from the defunct KPL side Chemilil has penned a two-year deal.
Assistant coach Tom Juma said they will be relying on the same squad that finished sixth in the preceding season, given that a transfer embargo imposed by the world football governing body Fifa is still in force.
“We would have wished to bolster our squad but you are aware of the existing Fifa ban. We shall be relying on the same squad that fought for us last season. Most of the players may be young but judging by their performance last season, they most certainly have the capacity to deliver,” Juma said.
