Aussems prioritises keeping Nairobi United core despite transfer overhaul

Nairobi United head coach Patrick Aussems has made retaining the club’s key players his top priority as the side reshapes its squad ahead of the 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League season.

The Belgian coach has overseen a busy transfer window but believes continuity will be crucial after the team earned promotion through a strong domestic campaign.

“We don’t want to lose our key players,” Aussems said, stressing the importance of preserving the squad’s core despite interest from rival clubs and overseas teams.

Nairobi United have strengthened with the arrivals of defender Wycliffe Omondi from Shabana, Congolese midfielder Harvy Ossété, experienced right-back Kevin 'Chumsy' Okumu, forward Mark Kithome and midfielder Brian Musa. Despite the new signings, Aussems insists the club must build on the foundation already in place.

“The foundation is already here. Our responsibility is to build on it rather than dismantle it,” he said. The club has, however, lost several players.

Captain Daniel Bichiok is expected to move abroad, while Brian Mzee, Wellington Ochieng, Isaac Omweri, Chris Opondo, Adams Nyambane, Lonny Amudava, Brian Ogutu and Erick Kipkirui have all departed.

Rather than dwell on the exits, Aussems wants the club to secure the futures of its indispensable players. “Give him a contract so that he stays,” he said, urging the management to reward influential performers before they are lured away.

He believes last season’s success was built on unity and consistency. “Our success last season came from unity and consistency. We cannot afford to lose that identity,” he said.

While determined to keep his best players, Aussems acknowledged the club cannot stand in the way of exceptional opportunities abroad.

“If a player receives a life-changing opportunity abroad, we have to understand that reality,” he said. “Our responsibility is to help players become better every day. If they earn bigger opportunities because of that progress, it also reflects positively on the club.”

Away from transfers, Nairobi United have also moved to restore calm after Nairobi Governor and club patron Johnson Sakaja mediated a reconciliation between Aussems and KCB coach Robert Matano following their long-running public dispute.

“It is time to focus on football. The supporters deserve to see us concentrating on the game rather than personal disagreements,” Aussems said.

The club continues to be linked with former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews and midfielder Austin Odhiambo, although neither deal has been confirmed. Aussems says any further recruitment will focus on quality. “We are not signing players for the sake of signing players. Every addition must improve the team,” he said.

Confident in his approach, the Belgian believes a balance between continuity and strategic recruitment will give Nairobi United the platform to compete strongly in their first season back in the top flight.

“Our ambition is clear. We want a competitive team capable of challenging every opponent while continuing to grow as a club,” he said.