Ulinzi Stars bag EA title as Chemelil defender joins SA side

Ulinzi Stars returned home yesterday after winning the East Africa Military games held in Rwanda with coach Robert Matano highly recommending his first-choice goalkeeper James Saruni for a call-up to the national team Harambee Stars.
The soldiers finished top of their group to claim back the football title they lost last year. Saruni was named best goalkeeper of the tournament and Matano believes he has done enough to be called up for national duty.
“It was a tough competition for us in Rwanda considering all the teams that took part in the event ended up losing at least one match. We are grateful to Saruni for helping us win the title again and having watched him in the tournament and even before I am convinced he should now be called up to the national team.
“He has done a lot to prove himself and being named the goalkeeper of the tournament is no mean achievement,” he said.
Saruni has been overlooked by Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi ahead of this month’s friendly international against Uganda Cranes and the September 3, Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia away.
Turning to their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title chase, Matano said he is not worried that they have been away for sometime, insisting the military games has given his players plenty of exposure.
“The two competitions are different and going back to the league, a lot will depend on how the players psych themselves. They have got some very good exposure in a competitive tournament which has given them vital lessons,” he said.
Matano said he is not worried about catching up with anyone and will simply focus on playing his game.
“We are not looking at any one and will just focus on playing our game and get the required results.”
Elsewhere, Chemelil Sugar defender Joseph Okumu has joined Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Free State Stars on a two year contract.
The Kenyan international has been attending trials at Free State Stars since last Wednesday.
He becomes the fourth Kenyan to join a PSL side and joins Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United), Victor Abondo (Ajax Cape Town) and Clifton Miheso (Golden Arrows).

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