City Stars itching for life in KPL

Nairobi City Stars team coordinator Samson Otieno says the club is itching for life in the Kenyan Premier League after a four-year absence.

City had a stormy run in the National Super League topping the table throughout the campaign and earned their stripes to the top-tier after the league was halted in the wake of Covid- 19.

They are set to be joined in the top-tier with Thika based Bidco United.

City’s resurgence was partly aided by the signing of experienced players and the deep financial purse string of their owner which has ensured the players get their salaries promptly.

“We have continued to pay our players in full despite the challenges everyone is going through at the moment,” he said.

Otieno avers that the effect of the Covid-19 notwithstanding, his players continue to draw their financial benefits on time.

However, the team cannot make any transfer now since all club activities are on hold pending a nod from the government.

“Nothing is going on at the moment. Even if the transfer window is open, we cannot sign any player since all teams suspended their training programs.

Our coach is not in the country meaning we will have to wait until he is back for any recruitment exercise to happen,” he added.

Otieno has also challenged his players to innovate ways of remaining fit despite the constraints brought about the government’s directives meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

With their promotion ambitions accomplished, Otieno says the team’s emphasis now is to stage an impressive start to life in the Kenyan top-tier league; a fete he says will only be achieved if the team maintains the core of its lineup and make quality additions.

“After conquering the NSL, our eyes are now fixed on a bright start to life in KPL.

“We are monitoring and helping our players train individually so that we can make a successful return.”

Simba wa Nairobi will be making a return after four years in the cold.