Eight Young/New players who impressed in FKFPL first leg

The 2025/26 FKF Premier League season saw some young and new players announce their arrival to the top tier in style, stealing the headlines with their performances and influence in their teams akin to those of veterans.

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After 17 rounds of matches, the first leg of the league has come to an end with many talking points for all stakeholders to ponder on.

While many eyes will keep focus on the exciting title race led by arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as well as the fight against relegation, players continue to showcase their talents and abilities both on the training ground and in matches.

Mozzart Sport was on the ground and covered all the first leg matches. In this article, we highlight some of the young/new players who caught our attention.

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Brian Ojok - Leopards

AFC Leopards have by all means been impressive this season. The sleeping giants have woken up and the Leopard is ready to reclaim his position in the league and Kenyan football at large.

One of the key pillars of the revolution at the den has to be Ojok, who joined Ingwe at the start of the season from Soy United who had just been promoted to the National Super League (NSL).

©Gad Isaac

Straight from the FKF Division I, Ojok made his debut in Leopards’ season opener against Sofapaka, starting at right back.

Since then, the former Zoo FC man has cemented his place in the team, and is the only player to have started all the 17 first leg matches and established himself as a fan favourite.

Leopards faithful will be hoping that the 22-year-old continues with his fine form and help the team in their mission to end their 28-year league title drought.

Kevin Otiende - Nairobi United

Nairobi United stormed the FKF Premier League in what is their first season and have been challenging the status quo with strong performances.

The league newbies also brought to the attention of many fans, some unknown but good players including ‘Kushoto’ Otiende who has been playing as left fullback.

©Gad Isaac

The Korogocho-born and bred player has proved to be as good on the overlap just as good as he performs his defensive duties.

For his troubles, Otiende caught the attention of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy who gave him his first call up in November and handed him a start in a friendly match against Equatorial Guinea on 14 November.

However, Otiende has a task to fight for his place in the team after the club signed Ugandan left back Mustapha Kizza, who started in Naibois’ last match against Police FC.

Kevin Oduor & Ernest Mohammed - Nairobi United

Just like Otiende, Naibois goalkeepers Oduor and Mohammed have also been among some outstanding new players this season.

Mohammed was impressive for Naibois last season and the hero in their Mozzart Bet Cup triumph, saving penalties in knockouts and in the final against Gor Mahia. His exploits saw him named as the tournament’s Most Valuable player.

©Gad Isaac

The Ghanaian custodian would then suffer an unfortunate injury in pre-season with the club forced to turn to Oduor.

Oduor stepped up and was particularly instrumental in the CAF Confederation Cup and in the team's first eight league matches, before losing his place to Mohammed who had recovered from injury and has since made seven league appearances.

Paul Ngugi - Murang'a Seal

When Murang'a Seal spotted Ngugi at Division II side Dynamo FC, they did not hesitate to take a gamble on him and sign him for FKFPL duties.

However, they did expect the central defender to be as solid and dependable as he has proven to be this season.

©Gad Isaac

Ngugi has been the main pillar for coach Osborne Monday at the back, marshalling the defense with military execution.

With just half a season in the top flight, Ngugi has been a subject of transfer talk and tussle, attracting interest from among other defending champions Kenya Police and Kenyan giants AFC Leopards.

Trevor Teddy Omondi - Posta Rangers

Posta Rangers is one of the clubs in the top tier known for giving young players a chance to showcase their talents and that has been the case this season with Omondi.

Omondi joined The Mailmen from Shauri Moyo United and immediately announced his arrival in midfield with his calmness on the ball, ability to dribble as well as eye for goal.

He has been in all match day squads for Posta save for one match, and already has two goals and three assists to his name.

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Erisat Orute - Bandari

17-year-old Orute is one of the youngest players in the league this season. However, the former Serani Secondary School captain is making a name for himself.

Orute will be remembered especially for his brace against Sofapaka on 15 November that helped Bandari secure a 2-0 victory.

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Robinson Musungu - Mara Sugar

Mara Sugar defender Musungu continues to be among the highly-sought players in the current transfer window, thanks to his exploits for The Sugar Millers.

Signed from Vihiga United at the start of the season, Musungu has been shining in a Mara side that has largely struggled, and is currently a target for Kenya Police, Tusker FC, AFC Leopards as well as Shabana.