KPL champions sign Keli as Sserunkuma joins Bandari

Dan Sserunkuma (right) dribbles past Nairobi City Stars Dennis Okoth during a past Kenya Premier League match in 2014 when he played for Gor Mahia. Sserunkuma has joined Bandari FC. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Keli joins K’Ogalo on a two-year deal after being released by Zambian top-flight team Nkana FC.

  • GOtv Shield champions Bandari have recruited former Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserunkuma as they prepare for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

  • Sserunkuma has previously featured for Nairobi City Stars and reigning champions Gor Mahia.

Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have signed up striker Jacob Keli ahead of the club’s campaign in this year’s Caf Champions League.

Keli joins K’Ogalo on a two-year deal after being released by Zambian top-flight team Nkana FC.

And GOtv Shield champions Bandari have recruited former Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserenkuma as they prepare for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Bandari’s technical director, Edward Oduor, on Sunday said on Sunday Sserenkuma will be a big boost to the team which struggled to score goals last season.

“We have signed up Sserenkuma for 18 months. We feel he will  help strengthen our striking force,” said Oduor during a brief ceremony at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa yesterday.

Oduor, who is also Bandari’s CEO, also confirmed the club on Friday signed up striker Edwin Lavatsa from Mathare United, bringing the total number of new players at the club to six.

Others are Bernard Mang’oli and Edwin Wafula (both from AFC leopards), Meshack Karani from Chemelil Sugar and Congolese Felly Mulumba from Sofapaka.

SSERUNKUMA RETURNS TO KPL

Sserenkuma said he was happy to have signed for Bandari and promised to play his heart out for the club in this year’s SportPesa Kenyan Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup assignments.

“I’ve signed up for Bandari and in doing so, I promise to do my best and help the club to win as many trophies as possible,”  said the Uganda Cranes player.

Sserunkuma returns to Kenya after two seasons during which he played for Tanzanian club Simba SC and Armenian club Ulisses. He left Ulisses in December.

Locally, Sserunkuma has previously featured for Nairobi City Stars and reigning champions Gor Mahia.

He recorded his best season in 2013 when he steered K’Ogalo to their first league title in 18 years. He was named player of the year after the 2012 season in which  he scored 17 goals.

Bandari beat  FKF Premier League side Nakumatt FC 4-2 in the GOtv Shield final last month to qualify to represent Kenya in this year’s Caf Confederation Cup.

Bandari will host Democratic Republic of Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of the tournament on February 14 at at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Keli returns  to the SportPesa Premier League after a six-month stint in Zambia with Nkana FC.

“I have previously been close to joining Gor Mahia, on two occasions in fact,” the 24-year-old told Daily Nation Sport.

“Fans should expect lots of exciting play and goals from me. I am looking forward to working with coach Frank Nuttal,” he added.

Keli’s deal with Gor is subject to the issuance of an International Transfer Certificate by the Football Association of Zambia. Keli, who emerged top scorer in Kenya’s top flight league in 2013, is considered by Gor’s technical bench the likely replacement to Meddie Kagere, the Rwandan international who has parted ways with the club after a season.

Keli is expected to form a lethal striking force with Michael Olunga at Gor. Gor are also close to capturing another Rwandan in Jacques Tuyisenge. Gor will play Madagascar’s CNaPS in the preliminaries of Caf Champions League.