Josphat Lopaga during his time at Kakamega Homeboyz/HOMEBOYZ

Murang’a Seal have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of forward Josphat Lopaga from fellow Sportpesa League side Kakamega Homeboyz.

Lopaga returns to a club with expectations as the Murang’a-based side seeks to finish higher than the eighth-place from the 2025/26 campaign.

The striker arrives with valuable experience from the Kenyan top flight and overseas, having previously featured for Mt Kenya United, Posta Rangers and AFC Leopards before spells at Dhofar in Oman and Dinamo Brest and Naftan Novopolotsk (loan deal) in Belarus.

Lopaga returned to Kenya in 2025, joining Kakamega Homeboyz after almost a year on the sidelines. He immediately made an impression, scoring three minutes into his comeback as Homeboyz defeated Sofapaka 1-0 at Dandora Stadium.

“It has not been an easy journey, but I am grateful to be back playing football,” Lopaga said.

The move to Seal gives the forward another opportunity to revive his career and establish himself as one of the league’s dependable attacking options.

Lopaga’s story has attracted considerable attention because of his remarkable journey from life on the streets to professional football.

The forward grew up in Baragoi, Samburu county, before insecurity forced his family to relocate. He later spent periods living on the streets in Nyahururu, Nakuru and Nairobi before his football talent was identified through a rehabilitation programme.

“It means a lot to me to continue playing at this level after everything I have gone through,” Lopaga previously said.

At Seal, he will work under coach Dennis Odhiambo, who took charge of the side on an interim basis in April following the departure of Osborne Monday. 

Odhiambo, a former Harambee Stars left-back, has already stressed the importance of improving Seal’s attacking output while maintaining defensive discipline. At the tail end of last season, when they met Gor Mahia in May, Odhiambo opined that the team was finding its scoring touch but still needed to address weaknesses at the back.

“We must now work on improving our defence, especially because we have now found our scoring form,” Odhiambo said.

That balance will be important as Lopaga settles into his new surroundings. His ability to operate as a striker or centre-forward gives the coach another option in the final third, particularly in matches where Seal need greater presence inside the box.

“I want to repay the faith shown in me and help the team win games,” Lopaga said.

For Odhiambo, the challenge will be turning the individual qualities of his new striker into a collective attacking threat. His first season in charge showed a coach willing to demand discipline and tactical commitment from his players.

“We have to remain focused and continue working as a team because this league does not give you easy matches,” Odhiambo said during last season’s campaign.

Seal’s decision to bring in Lopaga is therefore more than a straightforward transfer. 

“I am ready for the next chapter and I want to make the most of this opportunity,” Lopaga said.

With the new season approaching, Seal will hope his experience, hunger and eye for goal can provide the cutting edge required to push the club higher up the Premier League table.

For Lopaga, meanwhile, Murang’a represents another chance to turn a remarkable personal journey into an equally compelling football story.

“Now my focus is on Murang’a Seal and helping the club achieve its targets,” Lopaga said.