Soy United coach downplays departure of seven first team players

National Super League (NSL) newcomers Soy United coach Jeffers Odongo has downplayed the departure of seven first-team players.

He said they have started the process of replacing the seven who joined SportPesa League and NSL teams. “We are not worried by their departure. We will bring in two senior players and some upcoming ones from schools. Our policy is to develop young talents,” said the tactician.

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Those who left Soy United are Brian Marani (Sofapaka), Clinton Orifah (Mara Sugar), Ambrose Sifuna (Kenya Police), Meshack Mugalla (Kakamega Homeboyz), Harrison Mwandike (3K FC), Musha Abubakar (Mwatate United), and Raymond Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks).

Former AFC Leopards captain Robinson Kamura has already signed for the Blue Eagles. During their game against Nzoia, Soy United handed 16-year-old Sydney Amutalla from Bukembe High School his debut.

Despite the departures, the club recorded their first away win after edging Nzoia Sugar 2-0 at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma. Eric Namasaka and Alfred Ratolo were on target for Soy United.

“It feels good to win your first away game. It is a work in progress. This was also the first time this season we got back-to-back wins. We intend to keep pushing and get more wins. We want to keep pace with the leading pack,” said the coach.

Soy United sit eighth on the log with 25 points from 16 games.

The Eldoret Showground-based side last week appointed Owen Makokha as an assistant coach.

After 17 rounds, Migori Youth are still top of the log with 33 points. They edged hosts Naivas 4-2. Second-placed Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) also bagged maximum points after a 4-2 comeback win over Luanda Villa. MOFA have 31 points.

Mombasa United moved to third after a 2-0 win over visiting Kibera Black Stars at Serani Sports Grounds. Mombasa United have 28 points, the same as Fortune Sacco, who edged 3K 1-0 in the Majirani Derby at Kianyaga grounds to keep their hopes of SportPesa League qualification alive.

Coach Vincent Nyaberi said, “This is a very critical win for us. I want to assure fans that we are on course. SportPesa League is not far, that is what I want to assure our fans.”

He will beef up the squad with five experienced players.

Separately, Luanda Villa has named former striker Francis Chinjili as their head coach. He takes over from veteran Leonard Swalleh, who left the club following the expiry of his contract.