Mara Sugar in danger of losing several first team players

Mara Sugar players before facing Shabana FC at Awendo Green Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Mara Sugar is likely to lose up to five first-team players in the upcoming transfer window.

Left back Jimmy Owili, who was voted the best defender in the SportPesa League, has been approached by AFC Leopards and Bandari. Owili was named the best defender, beating veteran Kenya Police defender Abud Omar and Shabana’s Wycliffe Omondi.

Owili was also voted as the club’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the club’s end-of-the-season awards last weekend. Youthful centre back Robinson Musungu is a target of Shabana, KCB, and Kakamega Homeboyz, while Nairobi United are said to be eyeing midfielder Kelvin Mwavali and Joseph Okwenda. 

According to sources, the clubs have already begun negotiations with the players before making official offers. However, team manager Gilbert Ledama said they have not received official offers from any club. “As a club, we want to keep our best players. However, we will not stand in the way if any player wants to seek green pastures,” said Ledama.

He added: “Most of our current players were signed from the National Super League and National Division One leagues. We are happy with their development and progress. ”

Ledama added that they are likely to part ways with about four players who did get playing time in the just-concluded season. “We don’t want to make major changes in the team. New signings will depend on the players who will leave,” added Ledama.

He further revealed that the technical bench would meet next week to decide on the players to release. “We shall start our pre-season early or mid next month because the league starts in August. We want to have adequate preparations,” he added.

Ledama declined to comment on whether coach Francis Xavier would continue as head coach next season. “The club leadership has not discussed the head coach issue. Once a decision is made, we shall communicate,” Ledama added.

He, however, praised coach Xavier for steadying the ship following the departure of Edward Manoah. “To be honest, Xavier did a good job,” said Ledama.