November 12, 2024

KCB Lure Mara Sugar Goal Poacher Nyakwaka To The Den

KCB Lure Mara Sugar Goal Poacher Nyakwaka To The Den
Nyakwaka/Photo/Mara Sugar

While their colleagues in the top flight have been going for players with experience, KCB have acquired the majority of their arsenals from the lower tiers

Philemon Nyakwaka, the leading goal scorer in the National Super League, has officially joined KCB on a year-long deal. The former Mara Sugar player sealed the agreement on Tuesday afternoon, with all parties reaching an understanding on the terms.

Mara Sugar had announced Nyakwaka's departure on their social media pages a day earlier. The prolific forward had showcased his goal-scoring prowess in the second tier, netting an impressive seventeen goals in as many matches before making the move.

Nyakwaka's outstanding form had attracted interest from various teams, including FKF PL debutants Murang’a Seal, Posta Rangers, Shabana, and Bidco United. Ultimately, it was KCB who secured the player's signature, prevailing in the race by leveraging their financial resources.

KCB has been actively bolstering their squad since the mid-season transfer window opened, making significant acquisitions of more than half a dozen players. In contrast to their top-flight counterparts who prioritize experienced players, KCB has predominantly sourced their reinforcements from the lower divisions.

Among the seasoned players joining the Bernard Mwalala-coached side are Collins Neto, Collins Oduor, and Faraj Odeny. They made their moves from Muhoroni Youth, Bidco United, and Ulinzi Stars, respectively. The decision to delve into the transfer market became imperative for Mwalala and his backroom staff following the departure of over ten players last month.

The list of departures included key figures like leading scorer Francis Kahiro and Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, both released after the expiration of their contracts. With the departure of their main goal-scorer, KCB has undergone a significant restructuring, while at the same time, Mara, aspiring for automatic promotion to the top flight, is reportedly pursuing former Kakamega Homeboyz and Kariobangi Sharks forward Michael Isabwa. Isabwa, with previous experience in securing promotion, played a role in Vihiga United's ascent in 2018.

Table Standing

# Team P W D L F A +/- PTS
1. KCB 8 5 2 1 13 4 9 17
2. Mara Sugar 8 4 3 1 10 4 6 15
3. Kariobangi Sharks 8 3 4 1 10 6 4 13
4. Bandari 7 3 3 1 5 3 2 12
5. AFC Leopards 8 3 2 3 9 7 2 11
6. Mathare United 8 3 2 3 5 11 -6 11
7. Tusker 7 2 3 2 12 11 1 9
8. Ulinzi Stars 7 2 3 2 7 6 1 9
9. Sofapaka 8 2 3 3 6 6 0 9
10. Bidco United 8 2 3 3 6 7 -1 9
11. Murang'a Seal 8 2 3 3 5 10 -5 9
12. Gor Mahia 6 2 2 2 10 6 4 8
13. Nairobi City Stars 7 2 2 3 6 8 -2 8
14. Homeboyz 8 2 2 4 7 12 -5 8
15. Kenya Police 5 1 3 1 4 3 1 6
16. Shabana 7 1 3 3 5 7 -2 6
17. FC Talanta 6 1 3 2 4 7 -3 6
18. Posta Rangers 6 1 2 3 4 10 -6 5