KPL transfer season heats up as Ingwe go international

The Kenyan Premier League transfer season  is heating up as KPL clubs try to bolster their squads as they prepare for the new season.

Two of the most successful clubs AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have led the transfer market with mass exits and entrances. Both clubs have seen a big number of players leave the clubs while other players join in.

Ingwe has been the latest player in the transfer market after they confirmed the signing of seven players. The club had recently released eight players including Kenyan International Paul Were and David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng. Other players released by Ingwe include Wayi  Yeka, Eric Ndayishimiye, Ivan Sekazza, Marcel Kaheza (loan terminated), Jaffrey Awiti, Yusuf Mainge Shami Kibwana and former Ushuru midfielder Aziz Okaka.

In terms of signings, Ingwe has decided to go international as out of the seven players only 3 are Kenyan. Ingwe has brought in Malian striker Ismaillia Diarra, Burundian international Tresor Ndikumana, Ugandan shot stopper Benjamin Ochan, Rwandese Midfielder Vincent Habamahoro and Kenyans Robert Mudenyu (defender), Hansel Ochieng’ (striker) and Soter Kayumba (defender) who is making a return at the club.

Ingwe’s rivals Gor Mahia were first to venture into transfer business before other clubs followed suit. K’Ogalo were pushed by the risk of losing their top players to sign players early. At the time, Francis Kahata and Jacques Tuyisenge were rumoured to leave the club hence Gor looked for their replacements before.

[Read: Mass exodus at Ingwe with little hope for new signings]

K’Ogalo failed to agree terms with these players hence losing Kahata to Tanzania’s Simba SC and Tuyisenge to Angola’s Petro de Luanda them soon after they had made their signings. First K’Ogalo promoted three players from the youth team namely Alphonce Omija (central defender), Caleb Omondi (goalkeeper) and Samuel Osoo (Striker).

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. These players include Tobias Otieno (midfielder), Abdalla Shura (defender), Elvis Ronack (defender), Dennis Oalo (striker) and Curtis Wekesa (winger).

Newly promoted side and National Super League champions Wazito FC have also been an active participant in the transfer window as they signed four players. Wazito confirmed the signings of Kenyan international Bernard Ochieng’ (defender), Derrick Otanga (striker), Kevin Omondi (goalkeeper) and Gad Mathew (goalkeeper).

In another huge transfer deal, Bandari FC lost its top ranked shot stopper to Tanzania’s Simba SC. Farouk Shikhalo joined his Kenyan compatriot Francis Kahata at Simba SC after he had been linked with the Tanzanian club for sometime.

The transfer window is still open as Kenyan clubs are on their feet trying to ready themselves for the new season. Most clubs are preparing to challenge Gor Mahia for the title after the club bagged three consecutive league titles.

[See also: Business is booming for Wazito FC]