Kenya: Rangers Has Clubs Deep in the Drool

Odindo Ayieko

14 June 2011

Nairobi — Kenyan Premier League leaders Rangers remains the most targeted as activity in the transfer window heightens.

At least six Rangers players have been linked to moves away from the club.

Kevin Ochieng is being targeted by both Gor Mahia and Sofapaka, Joseph Nyaga by Sofapaka, Charles Okwemba (AFC Leopards), Joseph Mbugi (Tusker) and Pascal Ochieng (AFC Leopards).

Leopards claim they have already agreed terms with Okwemba while Tusker coach Sammy Omollo says he is interested in Mbugi.

After sacking nine players three weeks ago, Leopards are also among the most active.

Ulinzi top striker Mike Baraza and fullback Collins Kisuya are also said to have joined Ingwe after failing to secure jobs in the military while Leopards have also paid Sh300,000 for City Stars’ pint-sized Ugandan striker Jimmy Bageya.

Also joining Leopards is Western Stima striker Francis Chinjili and the club is still hot on the trail of Rangers captain Pascal Ochieng.

On Tuesday, Ochieng said he had been approached by Leopards but had not talked to them yet.

“As it stands, I am still a Rangers player and I am committed to the club unless something tangible is placed on the table,” he said.

Last year’s KPL runners-up Gor Mahia is also beefing up its squad and while club officials want to keep their signings under wraps, Rangers winger Kevin Ochieng and Tusker midfielder Moses Odhiambo are on coach Zedekiah Otieno’s radar.

Congo United signs seven

Also said to be headed to Gor is Congo United striker Wycliffe Ochomo, whose club is demanding a Sh200,000 transfer fee.

The rumour mill has it that Harambee Stars unattached midfielder Jamal Mohammed is also keen on a six-month move to Gor, the club Sofapaka’s Bob Mugalia is still praying to join.

Gor released Ibrahim Kitawi, who has since joined Tusker. The brewers are also wrapping up the signing of ex-Leopards’ Congolese striker Itubu Imbem.

Meanwhile, Sofapaka is courting Rangers’ Kevin Ochieng and Joseph Nyaga. Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa last week said he wants Ochieng back at the club.

Mombasa-based Congo have signed seven players as they attempt to recover in the second leg of the league.

The KPL debutant has signed Chemelil’s Kelvin Keagan and Mohammed Baseng, as well as Frank Obua from Nationwide side Mahakama.

Others are Admiral duo Farid Mohammed and Faiz Khamis, Nigerian import Wojo Frank and Saudi Arabia based Daniel Otiato.

Bandari has welcomed ex-Red Berets keeper Wycliffe Kasaya, Evans Wandera (Leopards) and Eric Ochieng (Berets).

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