Mara Sugar release midfielder Felix ‘Ajali’ Opiyo as squad rebuild continues

 Youthful midfielder Felix Cassilas Opiyo is among three players released by SportPesa Premier League side Mara Sugar as the club continues to reshape the squad ahead of the new season.

Opiyo, popularly known as Ajali, joined the Narok-based club in January 2025 after completing his studies at Koderobara High School. The promising midfielder made his senior debut under former coach Edward Manoah but struggled to establish himself as a regular in the first team.

Team manager Gilbert Ledama confirmed that Opiyo was released alongside Silas Oningo and Lameck Omondi. “The technical bench released them because it was felt they would not play a key role in the upcoming season. We decided to release them early so that they can find other clubs,” said Ledama.

The latest departures come two weeks after the Sugar Millers parted ways with Tony Oloo, Tanzania midfielder Kevin Longbert and Lameck Luhangala.

The club has also released Samuel Guto, Byron Billy and left-footed midfielder Makame Mwalago. Despite the clear-out, Ledama said he does not expect any further exits. Mara Sugar have already lost several key players to rival clubs.

Promising defender Robinson Musungu joined AFC Leopards, while SportPesa Premier League Defender of the Season Jimmy Owili completed a move to KCB despite attracting interest from AFC Leopards and Tusker.

Forward Timothy Ndayala has reunited with former Mara Sugar coach Edward Manoah at Kakamega Homeboyz. Musungu, Owili and Ndayala were instrumental in Mara Sugar’s campaign last season, helping the club finish 11th with 44 points, narrowly missing their target of a top-10 finish.

The club is currently in its second week of pre-season training at Shankoe Primary School in Narok County, where several new players are undergoing assessment.

“We are now into our second week of pre-season. I don’t expect more players to leave. We have some new players training with us. The technical bench is assessing them, and decisions will be made on their suitability,” Ledama said.

Experienced coach Mike Mururi joined the Enoosaen-based side two weeks ago and is overseeing preparations, although the club is yet to unveil him officially as head coach.