By JAMES WAINDI
International Levy Muaka could become the most expensive local player when his move from Nairobi City Stars to 2007 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Tusker is finalised this week.
The brewers are said to have set aside Sh300,000 to land the marauding left foot attacker, a figure that would make him the most expensive ever in the KPL.
Previously, defender Edgar ‘Fighter’ Ochieng’s Sh250, 000 move from Mathare United to Sofapaka was the highest transfer figure.
Nairobi City Stars chairman Justin Birich confirmed the intended deal and said the money was too tempting to block the deal.
"Muaka is our best player and it is sad to see him leave the club, but the money Tusker are offering for him is too tempting for us to scuttle the move. I believe he will soon be a Tusker player, and we will use the money to look for his replacement in the short period remaining," said Birich.
WORK PERMIT
He added that they were eyeing the signatures of two foreign players, a Ghanian and a Nigerian, to fill the gap left by Muaka, defender John Amboko, who joined AFC Leopards and midfielder Dennis ‘Wise’ Okoth who has joined Gor Mahia.
"We have been pursuing two foreigners and we are working on their work permits at the moment. I’m sure their move will be completed soon," Birich said.
Apart from the two foreigners, the team will stick to its policy of developing talent by signing players from smaller teams.
"We have a policy of not standing in anyone’s path, so if a player feels that moving to Gor, AFC or Sofapaka is good for them then we let them go, but we are doing a good job of rebuilding and the coach actually thinks he has a better more balanced team this season so we are not worried.
Financial struggle
"We have some new players from Dagoretti Santos and Kawangware United," Birichi said.
After a difficult 2010 season, during which the club struggled financially, the chairman says they are making plans to ensure a smoother ride in 2011.
"Last season Orange Telkom had promised to come on board, told us to sign players and even met the players before they suddenly pulled out. Since we had already factored in their financial input in our budget, we were saddled with a bigger budget than we could meet ."
"But this season, we shall work within our budget, plan for what we have and scale down our salaries and allowances to fit that so that we manage."
Elsewhere, veteran custodian Noah Ayuko has joined the sugar millers from Karuturi Sports.
Other players signed by Sony include youngster Mike Simiyu, George Macharia and Ignatius Lihanga from KRA and midfielder Mustapha Mohammed from Karuturi Sports.
