Race to bolster squads gather momentum as Thika heads to the Tribunal

Kenyan Premier League  side, Kariobangi Sharks, have agreed a four- year deal with striker  Sydney Lokale.  The 18- year old former  Nakuru All-stars striker scored six goals for his club last season, but will now be at the top-division club until 2021.

According to the Sharks head coach,William Muluya, the club is yet to decide on whether to release some players as the transfer window takes shape.

“ I have up to next week Friday, that is when the club will come up with a decision, but we will most probably release some because the club had many players last season,” he said, adding that, “I am delighted that we have signed  Sydney and he will be pivotal to our title quest next season.”

 Muluya was however tight-lipped on their  2018 KPL fixtures, saying that he has not seen the fixture schedule. Sharks will launch their title campaign against  Nzoia  Sugar in Sudi stadium  on Saturday February 3, 2018.

Elsewhere, 12-time league champions, AFC  Leopards, have signed two players . The Big Cats have acquired the services of former Western Stima midfielder Brian Marita and  at the the  same time robbed the National Super League side, Nairobi  City Stars, the services of Ezekiel Odera. Speculation is rife that Nakumatt striker Kepha Aswani    could also be making a return to the club.

Ingwe will be facing Posta Rangers in the season opener on  February 4 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The top and second tier clubs are bolstering their playing units ahead of the new season, while Thika United and Ushuru  FC will have to wait a little bit longer to know their fate with controversy dogging the play off.

Meanwhile,  Thika United have gone to the  Sports Disputes Tribunal to challenge the directive by Football Kenya Federation ordering a play off with Ushuru FC.

Thika filed the petition on Tuesday at the John Ohaga led tribunal seeking a directive on the matter.The team under coach Nicholas Muyoti have been unhappy with the order for a play off after finishing at position 16 in the league, while Ushuru who finished third in the NSL, have been inching for the opportunity.