Transfer Wrap: Gor Mahia, Ingwe add firepower as relegation-threatened clubs overhaul squads

Most Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clubs broke their banks in a bid to strengthen their squads during the mid-season transfer window that closed on Thursday 8 February 2024. 

Clubs such as Ulinzi Stars, Sofapaka and KCB secured the services of a lot of players as they seek to finish the season strongly. 

Others like league leaders Gor Mahia and former champions Tusker just needed a few additions to their star-studded camps.  

K’Ogalo currently sit at the top of the FKFPL standings with 43 points, 30 more than bottom-placed side Nzoia Sugar ahead of match week 21. 

Here is a wrap of the major signings that happened in the busy transfer window.

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Gor Mahia Sign 4 players as Omala misses dream move to Algeria

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia secured the services of four players to help them defend their FKFPL title. 

Enock Brian Wanyama joined the club from Chinese-based side Taiwan Leopard Cat FC while Shariff Musa and Musa Masika were signed from Bidco United and KCB respectively.

K’Ogalo, who are managed by Northern Irish tactician Johnathan McKinstry, also landed the signature of highly-rated ace Mark Shaban from Green Commandos FC. 

Meanwhile, Rogers Mugisha, Lyson Muyonga and Alvin Ochieng left the club with Munyonga and Ochieng going on loan to FKFPL side Shabana as Mugisha landed a lucrative European deal with Danish-based side AC Horsens. 

On the other hand, FKFPL leading top scorer Benson Omalla’s loan move to Algerian giants JS Saoura collapsed at the last stages, denying the deadly forward a mouth-watering salary and other benefits.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: How Benson Omalla’s deal to Algeria broke down last minute

Clubs facing relegation break bank to avoid drop

Relegation-threatened clubs such as Sofapaka and Nzoia Sugar were the busiest in the transfer window.

Sofapaka for instance secured the services of 17 players and let go of 13 others as they try to avoid the drop at the end of the season. 

Batoto ba Mungu occupy 14th place in the log at the moment with 23 points, just four points ahead of Kariobangi Sharks who sit at the danger zone.

Some of the new faces at Sofapaka FC include Victor Odhiambo (Murang’a Seal), Paul Okoth (Kariobangi Sharks), Finlay Osoro (Mathare North United FC), Vincent Oluoch (MOFA), Levis Ochieng (Mathare United), and the duo of Sheif Batte and Derrick Ngoobi from Ugandan side Express FC.

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The likes of Oliver Maloba, and Simon Masaka parted ways with the club and joined Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz respectively. 

Other players who are no longer contracted to Sofapaka FC are Nixon Ouma (Naivas FC), Evans Makari (Nairobi United FC) and Omar Moussa who signed for Burundian side Musongati FC. 

As for Nzoia Sugar, they penned agreements with 11 new players including Harun Shakava and Daniel Simiyu who are on loan from Police FC and sold the likes of Mohamed Barasa (Bandari FC), Salim Murunga (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Brian Webo (Rainbow FC). 

Tusker FC least busy in transfer window 

Robert Matano’s Tusker was the least busy club during the recently closed transfer window. 

The Brewers only signed one player in Dennis Magio from Harvest of Hope Africa FC with Eric Mmata leaving the club for Kariobangi Sharks FC.

The Brewers currently sit sixth in the FKFPL table with 31 points, 12 behind leaders Gor Mahia.

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Some of the major signings during the mid-season transfer window

Arthur Gitego (from Marines FC of Rwanda to AFC Leopards)

Francis Kahiro (from KCB FC to Bandari)

Shariff Musa (from Bidco United to Gor Mahia FC)

Rogers Mugisha (from Gor Mahia FC to AC Horsens of Denmark)

Nicholas Kipkirui (from KCB FC to Kakamega Homeboyz)

Francis Oduor (from Bidco United to KCB FC)

Duncan Otieno (from Botswana’s Gaborone United FC to Kenya Police FC)

Stephen Bwire (from Muhoroni Youth to Kariobangi Sharks)

Joseph Irungu (from Bandari FC to Murang’a Seal)

Yuto Kusaba (from Japan-based club FC Basara Hyogo to Nairobi City Stars FC)

Farraj Ominde (from Ulinzi Stars to KCB FC)

Frederick Otinda (from Bandari FC to Shabana FC)

Brian Okoth (from FC Talanta to Kenya Police FC)

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