Ex-Tusker captain Situma set for Mathare deal

Former Tusker FC skipper James Situma is set to sign for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Mathare United after ending his Kakamega Homeboyz spell.

Situma, Kenya Footballers Welfare Association president preferred a move to the Slum Boys since their proximity to the capital Nairobi will allow an easier route to honouring his leadership mandates.

The prospect of working with coach Francis Kimanzi whom he previously played under at Sofapaka also influenced his decision.

Situma’s illustrious career in the Kenyan top flight has seen him play for AFC Leopards, Nairobi City Stars, and Nzoia Sugar as well as a short stint at Albanian side FC Tirana in 2012.

Tusker FC has bolstered its goalkeeping department after securing the services of veteran shot-stopper Patrick Matasi from Posta Rangers for the next three seasons.

The former West Sugar FC and FC Leopards will take on virtuoso Duncan Ochieng’ and Byrne Omondi for a starting berth.

“Tusker FC are pleased to announce that Posta Rangers goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has signed a three years contract to join the Brewers Camp. Matasi joins the duo of the veteran goalkeeper and captain Duncan Ochieng and Byrne Omondi in the department.

“His arrival will fill the void left by David Okello who was released by the club earlier this month and immediately joined Mathare.” the Brewers said in a statement.

Matasi is the fifth name to be recruited in the Brewers roster in the mid-season transfer after the recent introduction of Oliver Maloba from Gor Mahia, Faraj Ominde from Chemelil, Kennedy Odhiambo from Sony and David Juma from National Super League side Bidco United to their ranks.

Another player who will be plying his trade away from Posta Rangers Charles Odette who has joined Kenya Premier League Zoo Kericho on loan until the end of the season. The ex-Tusker and Sony Sugar sensation found it difficult to break into the first team give that manager Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo’s preference of the partnership of Jockins Atudo and Luke Ochieng.

Odette is Sammy Okoth’s second recruitment in this transfer window after roping up Nixon Amalundu from Shabana FC.

The biggest loser in this transfer window is perhaps Thika United after their seasoned skipper Dennis Odhiambo left the club for Sofapaka after inking a two-year deal.

His departure is a huge blow for the Thika Municipal Stadium-based side given his versatility and the fact that he has been with the club in the past decade. Odhiambo is the third player to quit the club in this transfer window after Musa Saad and Eugene Mukangula left for AFC Leopards.

He becomes the Batoto Ba Mungu’s fourth signing after the recent acquisition of Pistone Mutamba, Sammy Imbuye, and Wycliffe Kasaya.

With three days left before the transfer window is closed, more club will join the fray by securing more players in a bid to strengthen their case for a title challenge in the second phase of the Kenya Premier League.