Injuries, departures forced us to sign 15 players in January transfer window, says Mara Sugar coach Manoah

Action between Mara Sugar and Shabana at Gusii Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANA

SportPesa League side Mara Sugar head coach Edward Manoah has defended a decision to sign 15 players in the mid-season transfer window.

Long-term injuries to key players, coupled with departures, informed the decision, revealed the experienced tactician.

“We did not overhaul the squad. You cannot do that in the midseason transfer window. We planned to sign five players. However, things changed in the second week of the window when our players got opportunities elsewhere while others suffered setbacks in their recovery process,” said Manoah.

The injured players, Lameck Omondi, Brian Ochieng and Silas Oucho, are out for the rest of the season. “Omondi and Ochieng were on the road to full recovery but suffered setbacks. They will undergo surgery again,” noted the tactician.   

He said defender Harun Thomas and winger Langas Lemaiyan were employed as teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), thus curtailing their commitment to the team, while Robert Onyango left for the US for further studies.

David Owino joined the National Police Service, and first-choice goalkeeper Felix  Adoyo signed for the Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet, while the other goalkeeper, Evans Omondi, left to pursue other interests.

“Career progression is good for players, and I’m happy that the players got opportunities out there. I’m proud of them. Even though it’s not good for the team, it will allow other upcoming players to play. The turnover of players is high in our team, but it’s inevitable,” noted the tactician.

He asked fellow coaches not to shy away from releasing players to pursue other career progression. Manoah maintained the club’s policy of signing young and upcoming players. “Apart from Cliff Nyakeya and Lameck Luhangala, the rest of the players are from National Super League and Division One clubs,” said the tactician.

 Nyakeya joined the Cane Millers from Division One side Gucha Youth, while Luhangala was signed from SportPesa League outfit KCB.

He vowed to revive Nyakeya’s career, adding that he would play a critical role. “He played for Gucha Youth in a friendly against us in January. He looks sharp and will bring some quality to the team. Nyakeya will play a critical role for us in the second leg.” On the

Coach Manoah said they signed four goalkeepers following the departure of their other goalkeepers. “During our goal against APS Bomet, we only had one goalkeeper (Evans Omondi), and he was on his way out. Adoyo had already left for APS. It was a very tricky situation, but most people didn’t know about it,” he said.

The new goalkeepers are Samuel Guto (Superoots), Samuel Oluoch (Kisumu All Stars), Joseph Ogenda (Luanda Villa), and Netto Kaunda (Hillside FC). “These are young and talented goalkeepers. I have watched most of them since high school. They are our future,” Manoa added.

Other new signings are Kevin Longbert (JKU SC, Tanzania), Alex Imbusia (Vihiga United), Daniel Wafula (Nzoia Sugar), Billy Owuor (Kisumu All Stars), Nassor Shikokoti (Nzoia Sugar), Tony Oloo (Gucha Youth), Ainea Ndete (Samitsi FC), Ibrahim Ochieng (Green Commandos), and Mwalango Mohammed (unattached).