National Super League side Mara Sugar have beefed up their squad by signing eight new players as they seek automatic promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.
Speaking on Friday, team manager Thomas Mboya said they went for experience.
“We signed players with NSL and KPL experience. Lack of experience cost us a promotion slot last season,” said Mboya.
“With the players we have now, I’m confident Mara Sugar will challenge for the NSL title."
Mara raided neighbours and rivals Migori Youth for creative midfielder Yusuf Ochieng, striker Isaac Otieno and offensive midfielder Ernest Oyugi.
They have also enlisted experienced Kisumu All Stars goalkeeper Felix Adoyo as well as leftback Louis Shuma and defensive midfielder Victor Omollo from Mwatate.
Attacking midfielder Reuben Mita rejoins Mara Sugar from KPL side Ulinzi Stars while defensive midfielder Ban Chemwor joins from Tatu City FC.
Meanwhile, Mboya confirmed the departure of Victor Ngume to Kariobangi Sharks, Dennis Maruti to newly promoted KPL side Murang’a Seal and Fred Nyakundi to fellow NSL side Gusii FC.
Meanwhile, Fredrick Munyendo (goalkeeper), Calvince Otieno (midfielder), Collins Wakhungu (forward), and Javier Angesa (defender) were released upon the expiry of their contracts.
Mboya said they have also acquired a bus which will ease their transport woes.
“We faced numerous challenges last season but we have now acquired a new bus which will help the team in terms of transport. As you are aware, we play both home and away matches away from our Enoosaen base,” said Mboya.
He said Mara Sugar Company’s plans to acquire a home in Narok county failed due to the lack of a public field.
“We wanted to partner with the community and county government to put up a stadium that can also be used by the community,” noted Mboya.
Mara Sugar, under coach Francis Xavier, start their new NSL campaign against Coastal Heroes on Sunday at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
