Shabana sign 11 as they seek to stay afloat

Kenyan Premier League side Shabana have announced the signing of 11 players in the mid-season transfer window as they plan how to keep their top-flight status.

The new signings include goalkeepers Fredrick Otinda from Bandari and Ezekiel Owade from National Super League side Kajiado FC.

Left-back Alvin Ochieng and forward Lyson Muyonga have joined Tore Bobe on loan from Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia.

Shabana also raided Nzoia for left-back Dimpol Omamo while midfielder Lameck Onwong’a joined from third-tier side Bomachoge Borabu.

Others are Christopher Raila (Muhoroni Youth), Japheth Lihanda (Kariobangi Legends Youth FC), Mathew Tegisi (Gusii FC), Brian Odhiambo (Darajani Gogo) and Zuberi Maneno (Fountain Gate Tanzania).

Equally, the relegation-threatened Kisii-based club have released 10 players.

Goalkeepers Eric Ongiri and Victor Kamungo left for MOFA and Migori Youth respectively. Alphonse Okello also joined Migori Youth.

The club loaned leftback Stephen Ochieng and striker Nehemiah Onchiri to NSL side Kisumu All Stars while midfielder Brian Kiako joins Gusii FC, also on loan.

Others are Micheal Matasio (Mulembe United), Kevin Okinda (Bondo United), Isaac Otieno (Naivas) and Augustine Simiyu (Mombasa Elite).

Shabana battle Tusker at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday as they seek to move from the relegation zone.

Captain George Onyango said the Glamour Boys are ready for Tusker.

“We have had good training sessions. All the players know what to do as individuals and as a team. The morale in camp is great. We are looking forward to the game,” said Onyango.

Tusker was the least active team in the mid-season transfer window, bringing in Dennis Magio from Harvest of Hope Africa while releasing Eric Mmata, who joined Kariobangi Sharks.

Muhoroni Youth and Sofapaka were the most active after signing 13 players each while KCB and bottom-of-the-table Nzoia signed 12 players each.  

Nairobi City Stars’s new acquisitions include Japanese national Yuto Kusaba – (FC Basara Hyogo, Japan), Rogers Oburu (Kayole Youngsters FC), Byron Owino (Kibera Black Stars FC) and Shem Oluoch (Kibera Angels Sports Academy).

Simba wa Nairobi released Ronney Oyaro, who joined National Super League leaders Naivas.