APS Bomet head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo/HANDOUT APS Bomet have shifted their focus from survival to ambition as they prepare for the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.
Head coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo said, unlike last season when he was called in to rescue the club from relegation, they are looking to finish in the top-five in the upcoming campaign.
The law enforcers finished 10th on their topflight debut season and have largely maintained the squad that delivered a strong finish after a difficult start. Omollo believes continuity, defensive organisation and greater belief can help the club compete higher up the table.
“It is time for us to stop talking about surviving relegation. We want to build a team that can compete for the top five,” Omollo said.
APS Bomet have secured Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as their temporary home after construction and refurbishments affected both Bomet IAAF Stadium and Kericho Green Stadium. The club will stage its first home fixture there in Week Four against newly promoted 3K FC.
The relocation means the team will have to adapt to a new environment while maintaining the defensive discipline that became a major feature of their impressive finish last season. Omollo, however, believes the squad is capable of handling the change.
“We have to remain disciplined because our strength last season was our organisation. We want to keep that identity and become more effective going forward,” he said.
The club has taken a cautious approach in the transfer market, with chairman Dr Bishop Fred Akama and Omollo opting for stability rather than overhaul. They intend to make a maximum of four external signings.
Midfielder Owen Mboya has joined from Posta Rangers, alongside former Gor Mahia midfielder Sydney Ochieng. They are understood to be pursuing Kakamega Homeboyz playmaker Hillary “Seba” Juma.
Captain Philip Wasai, who played a key role in the club’s survival last season, says the squad has gained valuable experience from its first season among Kenya’s elite.
“We learnt a lot last season, especially from the difficult matches. Now we know what this league demands and we are ready for a better campaign,” Wasai said.
The club has also promoted several players, underlining their desire to build a sustainable squad rather than rely heavily on recruitment. The major departure so far is striker Hansel Ochieng, who joined champions Gor Mahia on a two-year contract.
Omollo said the departures will not derail his plans, insisting the club has enough quality and competition within the squad to move forward.
“I am happy with the group we have. We are not looking at bringing many players just for the sake of numbers. We want players who can improve the team,” the coach said.
The squad has enjoyed a clean bill of health heading into the new campaign, with no major injury concerns reported after their pre-season camp in Kitale. The team also played double-header friendlies against Trans Nzoia All Stars and Kiminini Combine FC as part of its preparations.
Wasai believes the pre-season work has helped the players understand what is expected of them and has strengthened competition for places.
“Everyone wants to start, and that competition is good for the team. We have trained well and the new players have settled quickly,” the captain said.
APS Bomet are scheduled to begin their campaign away to Mathare United on August 29, although the league start of the league is still in limbo to an ongoing court case.
But despite the uncertainty, Omollo wants his players to approach the new campaign with a different mentality.
