Blow to Gor Mahia as Shakava joins Nkana Red Devils

Harun Shakava when he represented Gor Mahia in the Confederation African Football Cup match against Yanga at Kasarani Stadium on July 18 last year. [File, Standard]

Kenyan international Haron Shakava has ended weeks of speculation by confirming that he has joined Zambian Super League giants Nkana FC.

The immediate former Gor Mahia captain, who recently parted ways with the record Kenyan champions on mutual consent, has been offered a lucrative two-year deal by the Kitwe-based outfit.

The 26-year-old centre-back will pocket Sh3 million in sign-on-fees and a monthly salary of Sh300,000.

Shakava had a successful career at K'Ogalo, winning five league titles and other domestic trophies after making over 200 appearances across all competitions since joining them in 2014 from Kakamega Homeboyz. He had less than six months left on his contract with Gor.

The towering defender has been subject to intense speculation regarding his future with Tanzanian giants Yanga, Kenyan Premier League returnees Wazito and Zambia's Zanaco all mooted as potential suitors, but Nkana Stadium in Kitwe is now his new home.

Shakava reunites at the Red Devils with Kenyan international Musa Mohammed, whom he enjoyed a great partnership at Gor Mahia's central defence a few years ago. He will also play together with Duncan Otieno, a former AFC Leopards captain.

Confirming the move, an excited Shakava, who has been training with the 12-time Zambian champions for over a week, termed the move as a dream come true.

"I had won everything on offer at Gor Mahia and I think this was the right time for me to move and try a new challenge. Of course, this is dream come true to join one of the best clubs in Zambia," Shakava told Standard Sports on phone.

"I thank Gor Mahia for making me whom I'm today and the fans for their undying support."

But with Nkana having failed to earn a ticket to represent Zambia in this season's continental football after finishing seventh in the Group B Zone of the ZSL last term, Shakava knows he has to work extra hard to prove his worth.

"I know expectations are high and everybody here wants to get back to the Champions League next season. This is a  very competitive league but I just hope that I can adapt very fast and help the team achieve its objective," he said.

"But I'm really grateful to Danco (Duncan Otieno), he has been of great help since I arrived here last week. He has made everything easy for me and I'm actually feeling at home. I can't wait for the new season to start."

Shakava becomes the third key player to leave Gor this transfer window after the departure of Francis Kahata (Simba SC-Tanzania) and Jacques Tuyisenge (Petro Atletico-Angola)

Duncan Otieno, a former AFC Leopards captain warmly welcomed Shakava hailing him as one of the club's best signings.

"We didn't perform well last season. We conceded too many goals, but I believe with Shakava's experience and quality Nkana will be a different team this season. We warmly welcome him at this great club," said Otieno.

"I'm pretty sure he knows how challenging it's going to be for us this season because we must win the league and return to continental football next year."

Asked if it was by design or default to have three former Mashemeji derby captains in the same team, far away from home, the ex-Posta Rangers midfielder said: "We didn't plan for this, it has just happened and I'm sure we are all going to enjoy the experience of working together."

Nkana bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 3-2 on aggregate to CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in their quarter-finals last season.