Mieno joins Leopards, 'Gattuso' returns to K'Ogalo
PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU Sofapaka's Kenyan midfielder Humphrey Mieno (left) vies for the ball with AFC Leopards' Martin Imbalambala during their Tusker Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on March 16, 2014. Mieno has joined AFC Leopards from Sofapaka on a two-year deal.
What you need to know:
- Leopards' bitter rivals Gor Mahia have welcomed back Collins 'Gatusso' Okoth who has been unattached since leaving Tusker after the 2013 season.
- Gor Mahia brought back Okoth who had quit the club two years ago after falling out with the club management.
- Club secretary general Chris Omondi told Nation Sport that the 13-time Kenyan champions are still in the market for a striker and a defender.
AFC Leopards have completed the signing of former Sofapaka midfielder Humphrey Mieno on a two-year deal, the club announced Thursday evening.
In another development, Leopards' bitter rivals Gor Mahia have welcomed back former midfielder Collins 'Gattuso' Okoth who has been unattached since leaving Tusker after the 2013 season.
Mieno signed a two-year deal just days after quitting Sofapaka - a club he had rejoined at the beginning of the year - after a short stint at Azam FC in Tanzania. Mieno terminated his contract with Sofapaka after going three months without salary.
CONFIRMED SIGNING
On Thursday, the player confirmed putting pen-to-paper at the den making him the first big mid-season signing for Ingwe who are also said to be targeting more signings.
“I am happy to join Leopards and I now look forward to doing my best on the pitch,” said Mieno.
“It is unfortunate I had to leave Sofapaka, but life has to go on. Sofapaka has been my home for quite some time but I am fully focused on my new club AFC leopards,” said the lanky midfielder who is expected to fill in the void left earlier in the season by Peter 'Pinchez' Opiyo.
OKOTH RETURNS
Gor Mahia brought back Okoth who had quit the club two years ago after falling out with the club management.
Following the exit of Anthony Akumu to Sudanese side Al Khartoum earlier this month, the cash-strapped 2013 KPL champions desperately needed cover in the midfield and have opted to bring back their old boy on a year long deal.
(READ: Gor’s Akumu lured to Sudan side)
Club secretary general Chris Omondi told Nation Sport that the 13-time Kenyan champions are still in the market for a striker and a defender.
"We are happy to welcome back Okoth, he has served the club before and has proved to be a diligent servant. We are still looking out to get at least two or three more signings as per the request from the technical bench,” said Omondi.
Another confirmed acquisition by K’Ogalo is Talanta FC striker and JMJ Academy graduate Timothy Otieno who joins on a 6-month loan deal.
Meanwhile, midfielder Rama Salim has dismissed reports that he will be leaving Gor Mahia for an unnamed club in the South African Premier Soccer League during the mid-season transfer window. Salim affirmed that he is still committed to the Green Army and will see through his contract.
