National Super League side Mara Sugar have beefed up the squad as they seek qualification for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.
Team manager Thomas Mboya on Tuesday confirmed they have signed eight players including veteran goalkeeper Tom Muthomi from Premier League side, Muhoroni Youth.
Mara have also raided fellow NSL side Luanda Villa for striker Michael Esabwa, and centre-back Vincent Mulama. Also on board are youthful centre-back Kevin Luvanda from Kariobangi Youth and left-back Woodvine Okoth (Mombasa Elite).
Other new signings are striker Dennis Cheruiyot from AP Kitui, winger Eric Juma (Murang’a Seal), and Derrick Langat (Silibwet Leons). “We went for experienced and youthful but talented players,” he said.
Mboya also confirmed the departure of strikers Eric Ouko and Isaac Otieno alongside centre-back Eric Otieno who has joined Yatta-based National Super League side, Mully Children’s Family.
They will link up with Vincent Nyaberi who briefly coached Mara Sugar last year. Midfielder Ban Chemuor has joined third-tier league side Marafiki FC.
He also announced the impending departure of their top striker Philemon Nyakwaka who is heading to FKF Premier League side, KCB.
“Negotiations with KCB are ongoing and we hope to reach an agreement before the closure of the transfer window on Thursday,” said Mboya.
Nyakwaka is currently the second-tier league’s top scorer and is keen to join the bankers. He has been training with the Bernard Mwalala-coached side.
Mboya maintained that their target is to win the NSL title and qualify for the FKF Premier League.
They sit third on the log with 36 points, six behind log leaders Naivas while second-placed Mathare United have 40 points. On Saturday, they travel to Kwale County for a tricky fixture against SS Assad.
