Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Bandari FC have made four new signings that have shown their intent at going for the title in the new season.
The Mombasa-based club have brought on board defender Rodgers Aloro from Tusker FC, midfielder Whyvonne Isuza from Wazito FC, left back Boniface Mwangemi from Kariobangi Sharks while goalkeeper Joseph Okoth has returned to the club.
Okoth left Bandari three seasons ago due to lack of playing time and moved to KCB. He got his chance last season when the erstwhile starter Gabrial Andika picked an injury and didn’t look back since then.
He was voted second best goalkeeper at the end of the season and has earned several national team call ups throughout the season.
Joseph Okoth
“I am glad to have come back home and I look forward to the challenge ahead. It wasn’t an easy decision to choose to come back to Bandari but I know it will be for the better,” the keeper, nicknamed Sporty stated.
He will vie for a starting role with Burundian international Justin Ndikumana as well as Mike Wanyika who was the preferred starter for the final five games of the season.
Meanwhile, coach Cassa Mbungo says he is pleased with the four players he has brought on board and looks forward to add more with the Tusker FC duo of Chris Onyango and Faraj Ominde also on his wishlist.
“I am happy with the players who have come in and I know they will have a positive impact in the team. We are looking forward to the new season and there are several positions we needed to be strong in and that is why we brought these players,” said the Rwandese coach.
He has re-united with midfielder Whyvonne Isuza who he worked with during his time at AFC Leopards and his arrival will breathe some new attacking spark into the team.
Rodgers Aloro
Aloro meanwhile says he is pleased to be joining the dockers. Coincidentally, he scored against them when Tusker lost 2-1 to in the Premier League two months ago.
“This is a great place for me and I am pleased to be here. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and hopefully we achieve great things with the club,” he said.
Competition in the centre back position will be heightened and he will have to contest for a starting role with skipper Felly Mulumba, his assistant Bernard Odhiambo and Brian Otieno. However, Aloro’s versatility might work out for him as he can also play as a right back.
Meanwhile, the club has confirmed the release of Hamid Ile, George Osama and Wilberforce Lugogo who have all been loaned out to Sofapaka, coached by their former tactician Ken Odhiambo.
Congolese import Yema Mwamba and midfielder Dan Guya have both left on mutual consent while Matano Abdallah and Hamissi Mwinyi leave after the expiry of their contracts.
Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks have gone for youth in filling up spots for their new season.
Eric Mmata
The club has signed midfielder Issa Lumumba from St. Anthony’s Kitale, Eric Mmata, a former Mathare United boy who was with Super League side Mount Kenya United, Goalkeeper John Otieno and winger Steve Otieno from Kisumu All Stars, Forward Felix Oluoch from APS Bomet and former Gor Mahia youth prodigy Keith Imbali.
Among the players who Sharks have lost include right back Daniel Sakari and keeper Brian Bwire who have both left for Tusker FC while top scorer Eric Kapaito has gone to Ethiopia.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login