Top 10 KPL June transfers
1. Paul Were (Gor Mahia from Amazulu)
Paul Were is a marvel to watch. Fast, tricky and massively talented. Frank Nuttall has acquired a player who will give his side an extra edge in attack. His quick runs and crosses will be what centre forward Michael Olunga has been asking for. The big question is, who will be relegated to the bench? Geoffrey Walusimbi is the likely casualty of Were’s arrival at Tok K’Omwanda.
2. Ellie Asieche (KCB from Sofapaka)
A product of Sofapaka Academy, Ellie had struggled to impose himself in the starting XI of Sofapaka under Sam Timbe. A hardworking midfielder with an eye for a killer pass will be key to KCB FC’s second leg rejuvenation. He might be key to the Bankers’ survival in the top league.
3. Musa Mudde (Bandari FC from AFC Leopards)
Musa Mudde’s departure from AFC Leopards SC was met with a collective sigh of disappointment. The Ugandan had been the mainstay of crisis-hit Leopards. His combative and leadership skills will help Bandari post consistent results and offer coach Twahir Muhiddin a lifeline at the club.
4. Dan Kago (Tusker from Sofapaka)
If you watched Tusker FC’s 3-0 annihilation of basement club Nakuru All Stars then you will know why Francis Kimanzi lured the speedy winger from Sofapaka to the Brewers. Blessed with quick feet and trickery, Kago will add an extra attacking option to the already talented lethal forward line.
5. Mike Baraza (Western Stima)
How coach Henry Omino managed to talk the veteran striker from retirement still remains a mystery to many. Baraza is a goal poacher per excellence. He will turn half chances into goals. Western Stima forward line had been labelled “blunt” by Omino and probably the former Army man will bring the much needed sharpness upfront.
6. Ezekiel Seda (Mathare United from AFC Leopards)
Touted as Kenya’s Andres Iniesta, injuries slowed down Seda’s development at AFC Leopards and probably his move to the Slum Boys will see him eventually break out of the cocoon. Pundits are keenly waiting to see how he fits in the Mathare’s midfield. His passing abilities will complement Robinson Kamura’s combativeness. A good purchase by Stanley Okumbi.
7. Joseph Owino (Sofapaka from Simba, TZ)
Little known in Kenyan circles but a big name in Tanzania and Uganda. The former Uganda Cranes defender will bring in much needed experience and stability to Batoto ba Mungu’s backline.
8. Patrick Oboya (Nakuru All Stars from Tusker)
This is probably Oboya’s last chance at redemption. Oboya was tipped to be one of Kenya’s best players a decade ago. But his stays in the Balkans and Vitenam didn’t do much to get his career off. He came back to Gor Mahia where he struggled for fitness before being sacked. He later joined Tusker but was kicked out for lack of match fitness. Nakuru All Stars should give him a chance to rediscover form without pressure. He can help Peter Okidi’s mount a survival challenge.
9. Eugene Asike (Tusker FC)
Tusker have had central defensive frailties with the Lloyd Wahome-Donald Mosoti not just clicking. James Situma has had to be drafted in the central defense to stabilize it. With the departure of Aboud Omar and Situma settling in at the left back, Asike will be sure of a starting role along side Wahome. Asike has international experience and will help Kimanzi’s men in the second leg.
10. Lucas Indeche (AFC Leopards SC from Sony Sugar)
Curious addition to my list. Lucas Indeche was bullied into contract termination at Sony Sugar after he shipped in five goals against AFC Leopards. He had earlier been offloaded from Thika United again after a disastrous outing to Leopards. He has a point to prove. The 13 goals he has let in against Ingwe were just a bad day in office. His drive to prove critics wrong could be vital for Ingwe as he is expected to be a key pillar in Ingwe’s second leg campaign.