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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Thika United drop four players in team reshuffle

Sports

By By RODGERS ESHITEMI | Dec 03, 2013

By RODGERS ESHITEMI

KENYA: In a bid to revamp its squad ahead of the 2014 season, Kenyan Premier League side Thika United has parted company with four players including error-prone goalkeeper Lucas Indeche.

The former Kenya Under-23 national team custodian has been guilty of a number of high-profile errors this season, which cost his team crucial points in most matches.

Thika has also declined to extend the contract of the 2010 Young Player of the Year Ezekiel Odera, who netted five goals in his first season with the club since moving from KCB at the beginning of the year.

In addition, the Brookside sponsor-side, who finished seventh on the log in the just concluded season, dropped the Liberian duo of Freeman Mulbah and Dweh Allison, with the latter having spent less than six months in Kenya.

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Confirming the quartet’s dismissal, coach John Kamau said that strengthening his goalkeeping and striking departments are his main priority.

Thika United was at one time in contention for the league title, but their grip at the top loosened.

“The decision to drop the four players was not performance based. Basically, what we are trying to do is balance youth and experience. Our main undoing has been the goalkeeping and striking departments and that’s exactly why I need two mature goalkeepers and strikers,’’ said Kamau.

The Dutch trained tactician further explained the reasons of the player’s sacking, stating that most of the players leaving his stead showed a poor mentality and commitment.

“All of them are talented players, but I’ve not been impressed with their mentality. Kenyan players need to adjust a bit if they want to succeed. A player like Indeche, has been my first choice goalkeeper since I took charge of the team, but his concentration and mentality is not convincing.

“Mulbah and Allison have just failed to live to their billing as foreign players,’’ added the Kenya Under-20 coach.

Asked about the future of ‘unsettled’ Kepha Aswani, Kamau said that the former Mathare United striker is still his player, but hinted at releasing three more players before the transfer window closes on January 31.

“I have not dropped Aswani, but expect 2-3 players to leave before the new season starts.”

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