Njoroge hoping influential player Kimani can decide his future soon

By Gilbert Wandera

Newly appointed Mathare United Gabriel Njoroge is up and running, but still has to contend with the indecision of one of his best players Kevin Kimani.

Kimani who was voted the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) player of the year last season is yet to make up his mind regarding his stay at the 2008 champions and coach Njoroge says it is something he would like to settle quickly.

"We are currently preparing for the new season and have got off well in our preparations though we still have to sort out the issue of Kimani.

"He is currently talking to the management regarding his future and I don’t know whether he will be here next season, but we are hoping for the best and that this can be sorted out in time for the new season," said the coach.

Kimani has been linked with a number of clubs since being feted last year the most prominent being Sofapaka.

Sofapaka coach Salim Ali admitted this week he hopes to sign the player before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Kimani could also go out of the country and has been on the radar of several clubs in Germany, France and Belgium.

In a related development, United have dropped six players ahead of the new season, which kicks off on February 11.

Among those axed is veteran midfielder Austin Makacha who joined the club seven months ago after one year out of football.

Makacha struggled to make it into the first team and was used mostly as a substitute.

Others who have been released include Jacob Kelly who is linked with a move to Gor Mahia, Simon Mburu, Barnabas Omondi, and Ato Ayong who has already joined Gor.

The club has signed Francis Ouma who was dropped by Sofapaka. Ouma played for Mathare in 2008 and emerged the top scorer in the league that season but has failed to repeat the same performance.

Meanwhile, Oserian FC is stepping up training so as to make an impact in the KPL this season, writes Erick Ochieng’.

The newly promoted side is hoping for a respectable finish in the league by signing youthful players according to coach Sammy Otinga. The final squad is set to be unveiled this week.

Otinga says the team needs strength apart from experience, which he is also keen on.

The coach is currently making final plans to inject a few experienced players to beef up his current squad.