Kepha Aswani is not in Muhiddin's plans

Nairobi, Kenya: Bandari will not renew loan deal of influential forward Kepha Aswani and he is expected to return to his parent club Thika United in the next season.

Aswani, who was on a one-year loan deal at the coastal club, was the team’s joint top scorer with five goals. Despite the player’s great performance, Bandari’s technical director Edward Oduor confirmed the player is no longer in their plans.

“He did well for us last season, but the coach (Twahir Muhiddin) has asked we release him,” said Oduor.

Aswani was one of the most experienced players at the club. He has also had a professional stint in the Gulf.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards defender Eric Masika has confirmed he will join KRA next season. Masika failed to get adequate playing time at Leopards since making a Sh450,000 move from Gor Mahia two years ago. He featured in less than 10 matches last season and believes his latest move will help him get more playing time.

“At this point in my career, I am interested in playing more matches than winning titles and believe at KRA, I will get this. I have spoken to the coach and he understands what I want. We will work together with him to ensure I get back to my old form and hopefully, it can open other opportunities in future,” he said.

Masika will officially join KRA on January 7 when his current contract with Leopards expires.

“We have agreed with Leopards’ officials I leave after January 7. I believe this is the best move for both of us. Joining KRA will give me a new challenge and help me get out of my comfort zone.”

Asked whether he believes leaving Gor Mahia was a mistake, he said:”I would rather look at it as an opportunity that came my way, but not a mistake. I would do it again if given same chance.”

On their part, Gor Mahia may be a relieved side after the Tanzanian Vodacom Premier League transfer window closed on Monday before defender David Owino made his to move to giants, Simba FC.

Owino had been linked to with a move to Simba, as the Tanzanian side insisted they had agreed on a deal. This forced Gor Mahia officials to issue several denials.

But with the transfer window already closed and the player not gone, Gor Mahia officials and fans can now heave a sigh of relief at least for now.