Kenya Premier League (KPL) defending Champions Gor Mahia have begun early preparations for next seasons as they will be looking to retain their title. Losing midfielder Francis Kahata to Tanzania’s Simba FC is a hit to K’Ogalo as the Kenyan international was a crucial part of the team.
In an attempt to fill the void Kahata left, K’Ogalo have already bolstered their squad with 8 players ahead of the KPL start date. First, Gor Mahia promoted three players from the academy to the senior team.
Alphonce Omija (central defender), Caleb Omondi (goalkeeper) and Samuel Osoo (Striker) have been instrumental in Gor Mahia Youth’s splendid run in the Football Kenya Federation National Division II Eastern Zone league. Following their tremendous performance in the junior league, the players were promoted by the club.
The trio already linked up with senior team for preseason training after signing long term contracts with the club. Francis Kahata left the club after these three were promoted even though his contract had already expired.
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K’Ogalo then beefed up the squad with five more players. The signing of these players came just days after they had promoted three of their youth players.
Inventive former Sony Sugar midfielder Tobias Otieno headlines the list of new arrivals as the club strives to complete transfers early. The 20 year-old led in assists at Sony Sugar last season with nine passes that led to goals. Otieno hopes to replicate and surpass his impressive statistics at K’Ogalo in the course of his one year renewable contract.
In an effort to fortify the rear guard Gor Mahia have also completed the signing of right-back Abadalla Shura from Sony Sugar. The twenty two year-old has penned a four-year contract with K’Ogalo.
Centre back Elvis Ronack from Nzoia Sugar is the second defender recruited by the club. Ronack, 24, has also penned a four year deal to play for Gor Mahia.
The club is elated to announce the capture of last season’s National Super League’s top scorer Dennis Oalo and fleet-footed winger Curtis Wekesa from Nairobi Stima.
Oalo, 23, scored twenty four times during the regular period and added one goal in the play-offs while Wekesa, 20, chipped in with nine goals and 15 assists. The two have each penned four-year contracts and are looking forward to a fantastic combination at Gor Mahia.
However, K’Ogalo still faces the risk of losing more crucial players as some players’ contracts are on the verge of expiring. Defender Harun Shakava and Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge as their contracts are almost expiring. Losing these two will be devastating for K’Ogalo as the new signings will need time to adapt.
[See also: Gor Mahia risks losing Kahata and Tuyisenge]
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