NSL: Darajani Gogo banking on experienced players to end wait for promotion
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 04.09.25. | 13:55
“In our first season, we finished eighth, then sixth, and last season, we were fourth , missing the play-off on goal difference. That shows we’ve been making steady progress.”
Darajani Gogo head coach Andrea Ongwae is confident that a blend of experience and steady progress will propel his side into the FKF Premier League this season.
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The Kibera-based outfit, which has come close to promotion in recent years, has recruited five players from top-tier clubs and made 14 new signings overall while retaining 11 from last season.
Ongwae, who replaced veteran Paul Ogai, now an assistant coach at KCB, and whom he previously served as his deputy and is determined to get it right in the new season.
“Our target is automatic qualification to the Premier League. This means we must finish either number one or two,” said Ongwae.
“In our first season, we finished eighth, then sixth, and last season, we were fourth, missing the play-off on goal difference. That shows we’ve been making steady progress.”
The team has already faced tough pre-season tests, losing 3-1 to Gor Mahia and Tusker, and 2-1 to Robert Matano’s KCB, but Ongwae sees positives.
“The games helped me gauge the team. Even though we lost all three, we learnt a lot. We now plan two more friendlies against lower-tier sides before the season kicks off,” added the CAF ‘B’ licence holder.
Darajani Gogo’s notable signings include Mathew Kibiwott and Mathew Malishau from Sofapaka, Burhan Aden from Mombasa Stars, Hubert Sunday (Sakaja Cup MVP), Clinton Odiwuor from Samwest Blackboots, and Brian Wanyonyi from Talanta FC.
Others are Nicholas Omondi (Murang’a Seal), Omar Rashid (Samwest Blackboots), Bryan Mutuse (Kajiado), and Victor Mwangi (Gyff FC).
The team will open their National Super League (NSL) campaign against newly promoted Soy United at Hope Centre on September 13, before facing 3K FC and Micheal Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) in their next fixtures.
