Gor Mahia Fans Hail Sempala's Arrival, Asike Returns To Tusker

NAIROBI, Kenya- Following the heartache of losing 0-2 to RS Berkane in their CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal first leg in Nairobi on Sunday, Gor Mahia FC fans have cheered the arrival of Ugandan midfielder, Hashim Sempala to the club.

The SportPesa Premier League (SPL) club announced Sempala's mid-season transfer deadline signing in a statement on their website on Monday from rivals Tusker FC, with Green Army supporters hailing the new arrival on social media platforms, even going as far as pressing for a formal unveiling. 

"Gor Mahia have signed midfielder Hashim Sempala from top league side Tusker FC. The Ugandan midfielder penned a two-year-deal to make him the fifth foreign player at Gor Mahia. His signing means the club has exhausted the foreign quota provided by the league organizers Kenyan Premier League.

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"Sempala, the former Tusker captain becomes the third Ugandan to join the club this season after striker Erisa Ssekisambu and Shafik Batambuze joined earlier in the season," the club said in a statement.

"Welcome to Gor Mahia midfielder Hashim Sempala," the club's Twitter handle . 

Sempala will join a team that is four points clear at the summit of the SPL on 44 with a game in hand over closest-challengers, Sofapaka FC (40) with Bandari FC (39) who finished second behind them last season closing the top three.

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Second brewer

Besides his new team being well on course for a record-extending 18th league title, Gor are also alive in the SportPesa Shield domestic cup where they are due to face Bandari in the round of 32 this weekend.

"Hashim Sempala, welcome to Gor Mahia... The wall has just been erected for Sirkal! Away from K'Ogalo, the great Man United are ready to whip those Barcelona boys... Theatre of Dreams awaits Messi... Do you copy me," Charles 'CEO' Otieno, a diehard Gor supporter and Managing Editor of The Nairobian trumpheted.

"Welcome to Gor Mahia FC Hashim Sempala. This is the home of great soccer.. The spirit of Ogalo Sirkal is pleased with your arrival," Honorable Nyang' added.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tusker announced the return of midfielder Eugine Asike to the club to fill the Sempala-shaped hole in their midfield.

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"Eugene was the final addition of the transfer window as he becomes the second brewer returning back home. Eugene was in the 2016 squad that won a double at Ruaraka together with Noah Wafula and he has won other accolades before. He rejoins the Brewers for a two months contract," the club said in their website following the mid-season SPL transfer window business that saw head coach Robert 'The Lion' Matano welcome seven new players.

On Monday, 12-time league winners, AFC Leopards SC (26) reported the return of midfielder Paul Were to the Den in more welcome news for the club that has revived its form, winning their last three SPL games in a row to remain just a place off the top 10.

A wretched start to the season saw Ingwe deep into or hover above the relegation zone for most of the first half of the campaign.

"Welcome home Paul Were," the team wrote on Twitter confirming the comeback of the star who was part of their 2013 Shield winning team.

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