Mara Sugar coach impressed with club transfer activity ahead of NSL showdown

Francis Xavier is a happy man after he managed to land his preferred arsenals for the upcoming National Super League campaign set to start on Saturday.

Mara Sugar FC were favorites to earn promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) last season but a dip in form towards the end of the campaign left the millers fourth on the standings behind Shabana FC, Murang'a Seal and Migori Youth.

Just like most teams, Mara have intensified their preparations and according to Xavier, they have got it right on transfer business as they have roped in some of the notable names in the league.

"I am confident with this team, they have done quite well in preseason and I expect the same when the league gets underway," he told Mozzart Sport.

The Narok-based club have brought in eight players in the current transfer window set to close on Friday evening as they seek to form a strong side for the championship.

Some of the players linking up with the sugar men are former Kisumu All Stars goalkeeper Felix Adoyo Ouma, attacking midfielder Ruben Mita has also made a return to the club from FKFPL outfit Ulinzi Stars and the duo of Victor Omollo and Louis Shuma join from Mwatate United.

Mara have all snapped Migori Youth trio of striker Isaac Otieno, winger Ernest Oyugi and midfleder Yusuf Ochieng Blondi. Completing the millers list is Ben Chemwor from FKF Division Two outfit Tatu City.

The millers have also parted ways with eight more players among them Captain Dennis Maruti to Murang'a Seal, centre back Javier Angasa, attacking midfielder Kevin Kyalo, striker Fred Nyakundi, Calvince Otieno and former Sofapaka man Collins Wakhungu.

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''The team is in good spirit and we believe the new players have added the much-needed character in the team, something we needed in terms of stability and depth. Our goal is to pick as many points as possible and this has to start with the opening fixture," offered Xavier.

Mara Sugar will start the NSL campaign with a trip to Mombasa for Coastal Heroes clash on Saturday.