Why KPL teams are luring players with fat cheques

Kenyan Premier League clubs are breaking the bank and dishing out big bucks to strengthen their teams ahead of the 2016 season.

A few others have their cheque books on the ready, keenly studying the goings-on, ready to do business when the opportunity arises.

This transfer period will be witnessing heightened activity compared to last year after teams like AFC Leopards and Tusker failed to prove their mettle in the 2015 contest.

In the last January transfer, over 50 players traded clubs — excluding promoted clubs.

Hawk-eyed agents are currently burning the midnight oil in an attempt to properly place their players.

Also on the lookout are players who spent most of 2015 warming the bench at their clubs. These footballers will use the window as an escape route to getting regular football elsewhere.

Tusker FC will hope to bomb its way to brutal vengeance against the likes of Gor Mahia after suffering a disastrous season last year — the club finished a distant fifth with 44 points.

Sofapaka goalkeeper David Okello is said to be pondering a move to the brewers. Okello’s impeding arrival has not denied Tusker current shot-stopper Martin Musalia any sleep.

“Okello’s arrival will definitely increase competition, which is healthy for the team and players in general. He is a quality goalkeeper with experience and will be a vital inclusion to the squad,” Musalia recently told the media.

The bad news, however, is that the club could lose towering defender James Situma who may be heading to Mathare United.

There are claims Situma’s alleged departure is as a result of the arrival of former Sofapaka defender Collins Shivachi.

‘Slum Boys’ dependable defender Noah Abich is said to have cast his eye elsewhere after his contract with the club expired.

New coach Francis Kimanzi is said to be scratching his head to find players worth spending money on, just weeks after returning to a club he helped win the 2008 KPL season.

 Meanwhile, Muhoroni who finished 6th last season, have acquired the services of former Ushuru player Moses Arita after signing a two-year deal with him. Arita will be lining up alongside Lwamba Bebeto who join the club from Batoto ba Mungu on a three-year deal.

Kakamega’s Homeboyz have signed Martin Imbalambala from Nakumatt FC after just one year at the club. There are claims the former Ingwe player had discipline issues, which saw him fail to feature in the GOtv shield game against K’Ogalo late last year.

Ulinzi Stars are also flexing their financial muscles. The soldiers who finished second in the league with 58 points confirmed through their official website the signing of Joseph Kuria from Thika United, as well as defender Byron Odiaga who played for Sony Sugar

The statement read part: “Ulinzi Stars FC is glad to announce the signing of two players, midfielder Joseph Kuria from Thika United and defender Byron Odiaga from Sony Sugar FC.”

The transfer bug has also bitten AFC Leopards who are still licking their claws after the departure of midfielder Timona Wanyonyi who declined to renew his contract and is currently a free agent. Also leaving the den is keeper Eliud Emase who has reportedly agreed terms with Thika United.

Also touted to leave is midfielder Bernard Mang’oli who is said to be eyeing a move to club outside the country.

The 2015 champions, Gor Mahia, have not been ball watching either. The club is said to have acquired the services of former Thika United winger Francis Kahata to bolster its attack. Also said to be joining Gor is former Kakamega High School defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, albeit on a short-term deal.

Kenyan international winger Paul Were whose move to Gor Mahia flopped last year has moved to FC Kalloni in the Greek Super League.