Naibois snap up Okal, Njuguna as mid-season transfer window opens

Action between Nairobi United and Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on Sunday/ANGWENYI GICHANA

SportPesa League side Nairobi United have completed the signing of former Tusker and Ulinzi Stars winger John Njuguna and former Mathare United midfielder Roy Okal.

The club is also in the process of signing Ugandan international Mustafa Kiiza in an attempt to muscle up as they target a top-five finish on their debut campaign.

Okal, an experienced midfielder, will anchor the team’s midfield while Njuguna will supplement the team’s attacking options.

Coach Nicholas Muyoti said: “Being our debut season in the league, we are targeting a top-five finish. In the mid-season transfer window, we are hoping to sign about six players, mostly strikers, defenders, and midfielders. At least two or three players will join us in each position as we look forward to a good run in the second leg."

Muyoti said they target to retain the Mozzart Cup and represent Kenya at the CAF Confederations Cup next year.

Meanwhile, they have released captain, Daniel Bichiok, who is reportedly heading to Spain. Others who have left the club are Isaac Omweri, Lonny Amudava and Adams Nyambane.

They have also bolstered their technical bench by bringing in goalkeeper coach Sam Koko from Bidco and assistant coaches Boniface Omondi and Saqidue Waziri. Former Kenya international Kevin Kimani has also joined the Johnson Sakaja Foundation-owned side as a strength and conditioning coach.  

Muyoti hailed the quartet's impact as Nairobi United humiliated Shabana 3-1 at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.

“They have had a positive impact on the team. There has been more energy in training in the past few days. When you have new members of the technical bench, the players up their game during training,” added the tactician.

To accommodate them, the club severed ties with assistant coaches Edwin Mwaura and Anthony Kimani and long-serving goalkeeper coach Joseph Ruto.

At the same time, Shabana coach Peter Okidi has rued the departure of his assistant coach Barnard Mwalala, who is set to join Bandari.

“His absence was felt in the game against Shabana. However, Andrew Ongwae has come in and he will help,” added Okidi.