Timothy Izuza when he renewed his contract with 3K FC/HANDOUTNewly promoted SportPesa League side 3K FC has retained the bulk of the squad that helped the club earn promotion to the top-tier league.
Head coach Nicodemus Omasete confirmed that the Embu-based side has released only three players: Felix Ekai, Alex Jima, and Harrison Mwadike. Meanwhile, star midfielder Mark Kithome is on the verge of joining big-spending Nairobi United.
"Towards the end of last season, we decided we would keep 90 per cent of the squad that got us promoted to the SportPesa League. We had about 26 players, and we have retained 22 players,” Omasete said.
The tactician added that 99 percent of the retained players have already committed their futures to the club by signing new contracts ahead of their top-flight debut.
Several trialists are currently training with the team in hopes of impressing the coaching staff. However, Omasete emphasized that any new additions must be capable of breaking straight into the starting lineup.
“For new signings, we are only bringing in players who will come in and add quality. We are not going to sign players who are coming to sit on the bench. We already have the spine of our team,” he remarked.
“We will not panic sign anyone. If an opportunity comes, we will only bring a player who we think can come in and start right away. We want players who want to play for the club. We are not desperate. This is a proud community club. We will bring in players who will feel very proud fighting for the badge of this great club,” Omasete added.
Long-serving midfielder Eugene Ateya earned special praise from his coach after committing to a new long-term deal with 3K FC.
"Ateya is going to be a very important player for us this coming season. He's one of the players in his prime, and I believe we can still get the very best out of him. I am happy he's staying. He is one of the group's leaders, and we love him. This is his level,” Omasete noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Ateya revealed how close he came to walking away from the game entirely before 3K FC offered him a lifeline.
"Four years ago, I gave up on football and hung my boots. 3K FC came calling when I hadn't played for two good years. They believed in me; they were patient with me. I did my personal training, got myself back in shape, and they signed me. I told our club chairman I needed a hard copy of my picture signing for the club. I will frame it because this is a special occasion for me and my family," Ateya shared.
