The National Super League side, Vihiga United has recruited ten new players to bolster its squad in its quest to return to the Kenya Premier League.
The team that is sponsored by the County Government of Vihiga has further released 16 players and retained 15 of their former squad members.
The Club President, Kahi Indimuli said the move was aimed at reclaiming their lost glory after being relegated from the Kenya Premier League (KPL) last season.
The team was promoted to the Premier League in 2017, just four years after its formation, and only enjoyed two seasons in which it struggled to put feet on the top tier league.
“The team that we have assembled has been given only one target, to get us back to the premier league. We want by the end of the year, not to have excuses on what we have not achieved. We want to be talking about our plans back in the premier league,” said Indimuli who spoke to Kenya News Agency (KNA) on Tuesday in Mbale town.
The team has confirmed Sammy Okoth as coach. He takes over from Mike Mururi, on an interim basis.
Former Harambee Stars coach, Nick Yakhama joins the club as Technical Director while Mr Collins Oduor becomes the goalkeeper trainer.
Among the players who have been added to the squad are Peter Joma from Zoo Youth FC, Hillary Otieno an attacking midfielder from AP Nairobi, Richard Swegenyi from Division I side Vihiga Sportiff, Kelvin Okinda from AP Nairobi and Morgan Abuko from Chemelil.
Others include Kelvin Opiyo from Thika United, Leslie Otieno from Kariobangi Sharks Youths, Mark Owino from Kenyatta University, Abisalom Onyango from Migori Youth and Michael Odongo from Thika United.
The players that have been released by the team, include Kenyan international Benard Ochieng’, who joined Wazito FC, Vincent Wanda, who joined AFC Leopards, Chris Masinza and Stephen Wakanya, who joined Kakamega Homeboyz.
Others, include Amos Kigadi, Kelvin Muhanji, David Kavaji, Godfrey Airo, Edwin Mukoya, Rashid Kyambadde, Caleb Wamalwa, Patrick Ndikuyiro, Lewis Opiyo, Edmond Mauda, Elija Mwanzia, and Timothy Luda.
Indimuli said the club plans to add at least three youthful players to the squad.
The Vihiga Deputy Governor, Dr. Patrick Saisi reiterated that the county government was committed towards supporting the club.
“We shall do our best and help the team in whatever possible way so that it regains its status as a premier league club,” promised Saisi.
By Maurice Aluda
