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Mara Sugar head coach defends decision to sign 15 players in January
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.02.26. | 21:17
Manoah explained that long-term injuries to key players, coupled with several departures, forced the club to rethink its initial transfer plans
Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Mara Sugar head coach Edward Manoah has defended the club’s decision to sign 15 players during the mid-season transfer window, insisting the move was driven by unavoidable circumstances rather than a squad overhaul.
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Manoah explained that long-term injuries to key players, coupled with several departures, forced the club to rethink its initial transfer plans.
“We did not overhaul the squad. You cannot do that in the mid-season transfer window. We had planned to sign five players, but things changed in the second week of the window when some of our players got opportunities elsewhere while others suffered setbacks in their recovery process,” said the experienced tactician.
The coach confirmed that injured trio Lameck Omondi, Brian Ochieng and Silas Oucho have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
“Omondi and Ochieng were on the road to full recovery but suffered setbacks. They will undergo surgery again,” Manoah noted.
He further revealed that defender Harun Thomas and winger Langas Lemaiyan were employed as teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), a move that curtailed their commitment to the team.
Robert Onyango, meanwhile, left the club to pursue further studies in the United States.
David Owino joined the National Police Service, first-choice goalkeeper Felix Adoyo signed for Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet, while fellow goalkeeper Evans Omondi departed to pursue other interests.
“Career progression is good for players, and I am happy they got opportunities out there. I am proud of them. Even though it’s not good for the team, it allows other upcoming players to get a chance. The turnover of players is high in our team, but it’s inevitable,” Manoah said.
The coach urged fellow tacticians not to block players from advancing their careers and reiterated Mara Sugar’s policy of investing in young talent.
“Apart from Cliff Nyakeya and Lameck Luhangala, the rest of the players are from National Super League and Division One clubs,” he explained.
Nyakeya joined the Cane Millers from Division One side Gucha Youth, while Luhangala was signed from Premier League outfit KCB.
Manoah expressed confidence in reviving Nyakeya’s career, saying the winger will play a key role in the second half of the season.
“He played for Gucha Youth in a friendly against us in January. He looks sharp and will bring quality to the team. Nyakeya will play a critical role for us in the second leg,” he said.
Manoah also shed light on the club’s decision to sign four goalkeepers following the exit of their previous options.
“During our game against APS Bomet, we only had one goalkeeper, Evans Omondi, and he was already on his way out. Adoyo had already left for APS. It was a very tricky situation, but most people did not know about it,” he revealed.
The new goalkeepers are Samuel Guto (Superoots), Samuel Oluoch (Kisumu All Stars), Joseph Ogenda (Luanda Villa) and Netto Kaunda (Hillside FC).
“These are young and talented goalkeepers. I have watched most of them since high school. They are our future,” Manoah added.
Other new signings include Kevin Longbert (JKU SC, Tanzania), Alex Imbusia (Vihiga United), Daniel Wafula (Nzoia Sugar), Billy Owuor (Kisumu All Stars), Nassor Shikokoti (Nzoia Sugar), Tony Oloo (Gucha Youth), Ainea Ndete (Samitsi FC), Ibrahim Ochieng (Green Commandos) and Mwalango Mohammed (unattached).
