GOR TOP SPENDERS: But KPL clubs yet to break bank for priced signings

GOR MAHIA SPORTPESA 2015 CHAMPIONS Gor Mahia fans during their match against Muhoroni Youth at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 01/11/15.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) transfer window closed on Sunday night. The window was characterised by low spending by clubs to acquire players.

Champions Gor Mahia were the biggest spenders splashing Sh4,470,000 to sign players. Rwandese Jacques Tuyisenge from Police of Rwanda cost the KPL champions a whooping Sh4million.

The money will, however, be paid in two years. Locally, Gor Mahia paid Sh200,000 for the signature of Luke Ochieng formerly of KCB. The club also paid Sh150,000 to Chemelil Sugar to acquire James Ogada.

The rest of the players, who include former AFC Leopards defender Jackson Saleh were acquired on free transfers meaning Gor Mahia just parted with Sh30,000 for each. At the beginning of last season, Gor Mahia spent Sh565,000 to acquire new players.

Despite their high profile signings, Bandari spent just Sh150,000. This is Sh600,000 less than what they spent at the beginning of last season. The porters have acquired the services of Dan Sserunkuma, Bernard Mangoli, Edwin Wafula, Felly Mulumba and Edwin Lavatsa. All the five players have come on free transfer.

The other big spenders this season were Ulinzi Stars. The soldiers paid Sh230,000 to acquire Mark Bikokwa from Nzoia Sugar and another Sh100,000 for the signature of Bryon Odiaga from Sony Sugar.

In total, the clubs spent Sh6,720,000 to acquire players in this transfer window. This is three times what was spent at the same time last year when clubs forked out 2,715,000 for new players. Elsewhere, one of the surprise omissions in the current transfer window was the non-registration of Ezekiel Otuma by Ulinzi Stars. The player forced his move from Muhoroni Youth last season but has of late found playing time hard to come by at Ulinzi
According to Ulinzi Stars Chief Executive Joel Birgen, they did not register the player as he is injured and will be out for two months before he is fully recovered.

“A check-up last week revealed a knee problem. But he is still our player. We have not dropped him and hopefully, he can be back for the second leg,” said Birgen. Birgen said the same thing happened to dependable defender Hassan Mohammed ‘Rio’ who is out until March. Ulinzi will also be without striker Stephen Waruru who is scheduled to return to Kenya in April after serving in a peace keeping mission abroad.