In a move aimed at putting competitors off their players during the ongoing transfer window, FKF Cup champions Kakamega Homeboyz have slapped a Sh6 million price tag for each of their players.
Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula made the remarks even as reports emerged that Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia are angling for the signature of Homeboyz’ mercurial midfielder Hillary Juma.
Juma, 19, has attracted similar interest from Kenya Police, who are rummaging through the transfer market to find a perfect replacement for Duke Abuya, who severed ties with the law enforcers earlier in the week.
“We are not surprised by the immense interest Juma has generated in the market. He was on top of his game last season, where he scored six goals,” Shimanyula said.
“The player has four more years left on his contract and we are not keen on setting him free. Those who are determined to secure his signature must be ready to part with a fortune. We expect nothing short of Sh6 million for Juma.”
Juma has managed to cement a starting role at Homeboyz after arriving at the club in February from top-flight minnows, Wazito.
Shimanyula said Homeboyz have blossomed into a formidable force and will no longer allow rival clubs to raid their fold and snatch their players free of charge as had been the case in the past.
“We won’t allow any of the clubs to ride on our back anymore. In the past we have been identifying and nurturing talent only to end up losing them to people who are unwilling to compensate our efforts,” he remarked.
The club kicked off their preseason training in earnest on Tuesday with sights firmly trained on a maiden appearance on the continental stage. They sealed a spot in the second most prestigious CAF club competition after edging Tusker FC 1-0 in a fiercely-contested FKF Cup final at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on July 1.
The club opened their new season’s account against KCB at Bukhungu Stadium on August 26. Shimanyula said they are preparing to plunge vast resources into the transfer market after losing five of their players.
“We are determined to assemble a good squad that can rise to the occasion at the Caf Confederation Cup,” Shimanyula said.
Third-choice custodian Steve Otieno, left-back back Hillary Wandera, right-back back Dennis Sikhayi, striker Michael Karamor, and winger Micheal Isabwa have already left the club.
