WHO ARE THE STARS TO WATCH? A number of players want to prove a point as KPL kicks off today
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Mar 11, 2017
With the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season is set to kick off this weekend, it is the perfect opportunity to look at the new signings worth to keeping track of this campaign:
Brian Osumba (Tusker)
After missing the entire 2016 season due to injury, Osumba is expected to play a vital role in Tusker’s title defence. He’s an intelligent attacking midfielder and will be aiming to prove a point on his return from treatment. His creativity and instinctive finishing skills remain crucial to the champions this season.
Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia)
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It will be a moment for the former Western Stima midfielder to prove his critics wrong after he was controversially awarded the 2016 Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year gong. With Gor Mahia keen to reclaim the title they lost to Tusker last year, a lot is expected from the lanky midfielder. However, it remains to be seen whether he will live up to the high expectations and pressure that comes with donning the famous green jersey.
Ovella Ochieng’ (Kariobangi Sharks)
He has been considered as one of the most-promising and exciting players to watch in Kenya. He has quick feet and pace to get around defenders. Drifting between the lines with an eye for a killer pass, the Kenyan international can also score from any position. He was a regular for Sharks in the National Super League (NSL) and has been rewarded with a second senior national team call up.
Osborne Monday (Kariobangi Sharks)
He is a technical and very talented player. On a good day he can win a game for his team. He has an excellent ability to read the game and control the tempo. Regardless of Sharks’ signings, it seems they’ll pin their hopes on this man who can play in either in midfield or defence as he did for his former club Tusker last season.
Kevin Amwayi and Jeremiah Wanjala (Homeboyz)
Amwayi will be hoping to rediscover his form at Homeboyz after a harrowing season at Ulinzi Stars last year. His greatest strengths are his pace, timing of his runs and his powerful shots.
Wanjala on the other hand rejoins the Kakamega-based outfit after a short spell at Sony Sugar and he has a point to prove for the sugar men.
George Abege (Sony Sugar)
After ditching Bandari, the Ugandan import will be out to impress coach Salim Babu at his new club. He has the physique, pace and the prowess to wrestle for a starting role in Awendo.
Vincent Oburu (AFC Leopards)
There is hype around the youthful striker who has drawn comparisons to former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech.
He has shown glimpses of genuine quality in his first few months at the den. But his KPL debut hangs in balance after he reportedly double-signed for AFC and archrivals Gor Mahia. However, if cleared, the lad has a lot to offer and will fill the void left by Kepha Aswani who left Leopards for Nakumatt.
Jean-Baptiste Mugiraneza: Gor Mahia
The Amavubi skipper has an uphill task to fill the void left by industrious Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho. He is expected to play a vital role for the 15-time champions this season.
Whyvone Isuza-AFC Leopards
Very skilled and versatile attacking midfielder with a knack to split open defences. The former Mathare United man also weighs in with crucial goals and also provides a shield to the defence. With the quality in the team, he looks to help the team revive lost glory.
John Oginga (Bandari)
The 19-year-old former Barding High captain is one of the young stars in the local scene who could end up being the best.
The centre-half claimed the MVP award after inspiring his school to last year’s East Africa Secondary School Games’ football title triumph.
David Owino (Mathare United)
The natural left back, who can also be in an offensive player role, is so highly regarded as he already has five under-20 national team caps to his credit.
The former national school champions (Laiser Hill) defender is comfortable with both feet. He will be hoping to make his impact in KPL on his debut this season.
Nicholas Kipkurui (Zoo Kericho)
The Harambee Stars trialist was invaluable for Zoo in NSL last season, scoring nine goals that helped them earn their promotion to KPL.
His talent has never been in question and he can beat defenders with his pace and has an eye for goal.