Onyiso retires as Ulinzi Stars set to award players today

By Gilbert Wandera

Former Harambee Stars custodian Francis Onyiso is set to officially retire from active football today and his club Ulinzi Stars are planning to give him a perfect sendoff.

Onyiso is among the players who will be honoured when the former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions hold their inaugural award gala to appreciate those who have consistently done well for them.

Ulinzi Stars manager Joe Birgen, said Onyiso is retiring from active football to join the team’s technical bench as goalkeeper trainer.

"He has done a lot for us and the country. We want to honour him even as he officially steps down to join our technical bench as a goalkeeper trainer," said Birgen.

Onyiso rose to fame in 1987 when he made daring saves against Nigeria during a World Cup qualifier at Kasarani.

After retiring from the national team, Onyiso continued with club duties but was out of action for the whole of the 2010 season as he had to go out of the country on a peace keeping mission. He briefly attempted a comeback last season before eventually deciding to call it a day.

New season

During today’s award ceremony, several categories including best goalkeeper, best defender, best midfielder, top scorer and hall of fame will be recognised.

"This is a good way to reward our players going into a new season," said Birgen.

He also confirmed that the team has signed five players ahead of the new season including former Gor Mahia striker Wycliff Ochomo, Kevin Amwayi formerly with Western Stima, Amon Mwamburi and Mohammed Hassan from Congo United as well as Anthony Muriithi who has been promoted from the under-19 side.

"We are done with our new signings as this brings our squad to 30 players. We are ready to go and reclaim the title we lost to Tusker last season," said Birgen.