There was less cash flow in the just concluded January transfer window as the harsh economy continues to hit the Kenyan football industry.
Though most of the clubs led by record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Nzoia Sugar opted to go for either youngsters or renewed contracts for their existing players, while the likes of struggling Wazito went for experience.
But the most interesting thing was how most of the offloaded players found themselves in new teams as they try to revive their careers.
Having seen their efforts move in the opposite direction in the first leg of the campaign, the likes of Elvis Rupia has joined AFC Leopards after being dropped by struggling Wazito while prodigal son Edwin Lavatsa has rejoined Gor from Kakamega Homeboyz.
Journeyman Paul Kiongera has made a return to the domestic league after being signed by Wazito from Irish lower tier side Killarney Athletic.
We take a look at some of the players who are set to revive their flailing careers.
Elvis Rupia
Despite scoring six goals for Wazito, Rupia had found it difficult to cement a place for himself in the star-studded Wazito squad that struggled throughout the first leg, forcing the club to send him parking.
But having joined another demanding club, AFC Leopards, he should be ready to take up the goalscoring responsibility following the departure of leading scorer John Makwata (13). Makwata signed for Zambian giants Zesco United on the transfer deadline day. Ironically, both left for Zambian league in the middle of the season while they are leading scorers in KPL.
This could be a perfect opportunity for the former Nzoia Sugar and Power Dynamos forward to revive his dwindling career.
Edwin Lavatsa
Edwin Lavatsa joins the ever-growing list of Gor Mahia’s prodigal sons seeking to reboot their careers. Others who have previously rejoined Gor include Kevin Omondi, George Odhiambo, Ali Abondo, Baldin Ngwa and Simon Pierre.
The striker sealed his move back to the record league champions on the transfer deadline from Kakamega Homeboyz, where he had fallen out of favour.
Gor fans will be hoping he will fill the void left by the striking duo by Ivorian Yikpe Gislain and Francis Afriyie.
Lavatsa started his career at K’Ogalo in 2011, directly from Upper Hill Secondary School before joining Algerian side MC Alger in 2014.
He went on to feature for both Mathare United and Bandari before switching his allegiance to the Kakamega-based outfit.
Paul Kiongera
Kiongera is one of the players who has made a return to the KPL after unsuccessful stints abroad.
The Kenyatta University graduate was ambitious Wazito’s 12th signing in the mid-season transfer window, after being acquired from Irish lower tier side Killarney Athletic.
He is a hugely talented midfielder but has failed to reach his potential due to injuries.
And having once featured for demanding clubs like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tanzanian giants Simba SC, Kiongera is ready to overturn his fate and impress at Wazito.
“This is a great opportunity to show the world what I can do and revive my career. It is normal to be criticised. Nobody can trust you if you can’t trust yourself. But I believe in my ability,” said Kiongera.
Michael Oduor and Mathew Odongo
Oduor is one of the players who failed to earn himself a remarkable career at Wazito. But together with his former Wazito teammate, they have a chance to revive their careers at Kariobangi Sharks and Zoo respectively.
Oduor showed some flashes of brilliance during his days at Sofapaka only for his form to dip after crossing over to Wazito at the beginning of the campaign.
Just like Oduor, a lot was expected from the pacy and skillful Ugandan winger when he joined Wazito from Uganda Revenue Authority last August.
But Odongo literally failed to reach the expectations, forcing the club to release him. He previously plied his trade with Kariobangi Sharks and Tusker.
Other players out to put their careers on track include defender Wilson Anekeya (Zoo), Martin Werunga (Nzoia Sugar), Vincent Omumbo, Gad Mathews (Kisumu All Stars), Khalid Jumaan (Mathare United), Samuel Ndung’u (Chemelil Sugar) and Dennis Ng’an’ga (Wazito).
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