Transfer window about to close? Easy, no big deal

Tusker FC defender Eugene Asike (right) attempts to block Nakuru AllStars goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji from restarting play during their Tusker Premier League match on June 26, 2015 at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Business ends at midnight

Kenyan Premier League clubs have until midnight to complete paperwork on their new signings before the KPL midseason transfer window closes.

Top dogs AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia are undergoing serious financial challenges and the reduced budget the two teams are working under has made the June transfer period a rather dull affair. The two have only acquired one player each, with K’Ogalo signing Enock Agwanda from Sofapaka with Ingwe netting goalkeeper Lucas Indeche from Sony Sugar. Both were free transfers.

Ingwe have had trouble meeting the 18-man threshold for players in their last two matches, and they had tabled a request to the KPL management seeking the extension of the transfer period to allow them secure new players. KPL has however turned a deaf ear to the pleas of the 13-time champions.

Leopards lost several key players among them captain Martin Imbalambala, goalkeepers Wyclef Kasaya and Joel Bataro, defender Joseph Shikokoti and club top scorer Jacob Keli.

GOR TRACKING WERE

Gor are still haggling with South African club Amazulu over the possible signing of winger Paul Were, and it remains to be seen whether they will manage to secure his services before the midnight deadline.

In their frugality, Chemelil Sugar have attained the “money bags” status for the midseason transfer period having blown a good Sh475, 000 to revamp their squad.

The sugarmillers have their targets set on finishing in the top five, and they Sh250,000 to pluck out Joseph Kariuki from Kakamega Homeboyz.

They also snatched Mohammed Mwachiponi and Joshua Oyoo from Bandari and KCB respectively and accepted back goalkeeper Jairus Adira.

Each of these three signings cost the club Sh50, 000. Ten time champions Tusker have also been quiet this window; they acquired Danson Kago and Eugene Asike on a free transfer from Sofapaka and goalkeeper Martin Musalia from AFC Leopards.

Sofapaka have also had a silent transfer window, as they have lost seven key players including Agwanda, Abdoul Razak Fiston, Shaffique Batambuze, Elly Asieche, and Kago.

Muhoroni Youth have been the busiest club this period, bringing in 11 players among them Kevin Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Ochomo (Police), Taufic Zakari (Gor Mahia) and Francis Ochola from Shabana.