As Mara Sugar prepares to make its debut in the FKF Premier League, the club has made a bold statement by retaining the core players who played a crucial role in their success in the National Super League (NSL).
The club’s team manager, Gilbert Ledama, confirmed that 20 of the 26 players from last season have been kept on, ensuring that the team’s identity and chemistry remain intact.
This move underlines Mara Sugar’s commitment to squad continuity as they aim to establish themselves as a force in Kenya’s top-tier football.
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Mara Sugar’s Winning Formula: Keeping the Core Intact
In a football world where teams often overhaul their squads after promotion, Mara Sugar has taken a different approach.
The decision to retain most of the players who guided them to promotion demonstrates a strong belief in the squad’s ability to compete at the highest level of Kenyan football.
According to Gilbert Ledama, the club’s team manager, this strategy is a continuation of the club’s philosophy.
“We have always maintained our squad since Division One, and we saw no reason to change that after qualifying for the FKF Premier League,” Ledama said. By keeping 20 of the 26 players who helped them win the National Super League, Mara Sugar has ensured that they retain the team spirit and cohesion that has been crucial to their rise.
While retaining their core squad, the club has also brought in nine new players to bolster their ranks, ensuring they are equipped for the tougher challenges ahead in the Premier League.
Key Signings: Strengthening for the Top Flight
Among the new arrivals at Mara Sugar is forward Batts Awita, signed from Murang’a Seal, and right-back James Sati, who joins from AFC Leopards.
These players bring valuable experience to the team, adding depth and versatility to a squad that will need to adapt quickly to the pace and intensity of the FKF Premier League.
Other notable signings include goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade from Shabana FC, forward Noah Ng’endo from Kisumu All Stars, and defender Meshack Makokha from Bungoma Stars.
These additions, combined with the retained core squad, give Mara Sugar a balanced and competitive lineup as they step into the spotlight of Kenya’s top league.
The club also brought in local talents like Samuel Oluoch from Green Commandos and Lankas Lenana from Westlife United, showcasing their commitment to nurturing young players.
The recruitment of local stars indicates the club’s focus on building a team that not only performs well on the pitch but also resonates with the local community.
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Continuity in the Technical Bench
Changes were not limited to the playing squad. Mara Sugar also made adjustments to their technical bench to ensure they have the right guidance in their Premier League journey.
Benjamin Amukaba, popularly known as Ben Bella, has joined as the first assistant coach to support head coach George Midenyo, a former striker who has been instrumental in leading the team to its recent success.
In addition, George Naibei, a former assistant coach with a CAF coaching license, has taken on the role of fitness trainer, ensuring that the players are in peak physical condition for the demanding Premier League season.
Benedict Wanjala, the club’s former head coach, is currently pursuing a CAF B coaching course in Kisumu and remains part of the club’s long-term coaching plans.
According to Ledama, these changes were necessary to meet the Football Kenya Federation’s requirements and to ensure that the team has the right support system as they take on the Premier League’s elite teams.
Aiming for a Top 10 Finish: Setting Realistic Goals
Despite their promotion to the top flight, Mara Sugar is not setting overly ambitious goals for their debut season. Instead, the club’s primary objective is to stabilize in the FKF Premier League and achieve a top 10 finish.
“This season, we want to familiarize ourselves with the league and finish in a respectable position,” said Ledama. “From next season, we shall fight to lift the KPL.”
This pragmatic approach reflects the club’s long-term strategy. Rather than chasing instant success, Mara Sugar is focused on establishing themselves as a stable and competitive team in the Premier League, with the aim of building a foundation for future success.
Preparations for the Season: A Squad with Depth
With a squad of 30 players, including four goalkeepers and 26 outfield players, Mara Sugar believes they have the depth to cope with the demands of the FKF Premier League.
Injuries and suspensions are inevitable in a long season, but the team’s management is confident that their squad has the resilience and versatility to compete throughout the campaign.
“We have depth in the squad in case of injuries,” Ledama noted. This level of preparation is crucial for a team making its debut in a highly competitive league, where every point matters.
Acknowledging the Contributions of Past Players
While Mara Sugar retained most of their key players, the club also saw the departure of some notable names. Ernest Oyugi, a key player from the promotion-winning campaign, left to join the Michael Olunga Foundation, while goalkeeper Eliud Emase signed for Nzoia Sugar.
In addition, players such as James Olweny, Mohammed Barasa, Derrick Cheche, and Patrick Otieno were released. These changes reflect the natural evolution of a squad as the team prepares for the higher level of competition in the FKF Premier League.
Mara Sugar’s Ambitions in the Premier League
Mara Sugar’s journey to the FKF Premier League has been a story of steady progress, and their debut season in the top flight represents a new chapter for the club. With a blend of retained talent and new signings, the club is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The team’s first match in the FKF Premier League saw them face Homeboyz, where only one new signing, Meshack Makokha, featured in the starting lineup. This decision by the coaching staff highlights their belief in the squad that earned promotion from the National Super League.
As the team gears up for their next match against Bandari in Mombasa, Ledama made it clear that they are going for maximum points. “It will not be an easy game, but we are going to Mombasa for maximum points,” he concluded.
Building for the Future: Mara Sugar’s Long-Term Vision
While the immediate focus is on surviving and thriving in the FKF Premier League, Mara Sugar has a long-term vision of becoming one of the dominant forces in Kenyan football.
The club’s management is committed to not only competing at the highest level but also nurturing local talent and building a strong foundation for the future.
The addition of young players like Felix Opiyo, also known as Casillas, a student from Koderobara High School, shows the club’s investment in the future of Kenyan football.
By giving opportunities to talented young players from the locality, Mara Sugar is positioning itself as a club that values both community and development.
A Promising Start for Mara Sugar in the FKF Premier League
Mara Sugar’s decision to retain the core players from their promotion-winning squad, combined with key signings and technical bench adjustments, puts them in a strong position as they embark on their FKF Premier League journey. While their primary goal is to finish in the top 10 this season, their long-term ambitions are far greater, with plans to challenge for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title in the near future.
As fans and football enthusiasts watch Mara Sugar’s progress, they can also enjoy the thrill of live football action through platforms like Jambobet, which offers live betting in Kenya. This allows supporters to stay connected with the team’s performance throughout the season, making Mara Sugar’s Premier League adventure even more exciting.
