Uganda Cranes striker among new faces at Gor Mahia

Ugandan striker Erisa Ssekisambu is among eight new players unveiled by record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia on Monday ahead of the new season. 

Ssekisambu joins from Ugandan champions Vipers after his move to India fell through. 

Others unveiled are left back Shafik Batambuze, defender Pascal Ogweno (Kariobangi Sharks), returnee midfielder Kenneth Muguna, striker Eric Ombija from Gor Mahia youth, central midfielder Castro Ogendo who is a student at Kenyatta University, left back Geoffrey Ochieng' from Western Stima and striker Nicholas Kipkirui from Zoo Kericho.

"We identify them and take them to the coaches for approval, all players we recruit are approved by the technical bench led by our technical committee chairman John Pesa. I am confident the new players will make big improvements to our team,” said Rachier during the unveiling at a Nairobi hotel on Monday. 

Batambuze, a left back, returns to the Kenyan football scene after a year stint with Tanzanian side Singida United. He won the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) title with Tusker in 2016.

“I want to work extra harder and help the team win more titles,” revealed the 23-year-old Batambuze.

Club chairman Ambrose Rachier said the Ssekisambu and Batambuze are perfect replacements for departed Meddie Kagere and Godfrey Walusimbi, coincidentally of Ugandan decent too, who joined Simba of Tanzania and South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs respectively in midseason.

Ssekisambu comes in after helping Vipers clinch the Ugandan league title last season.