Rattled Nzoia in no panic over Juma, Mauta voids

Nzoia Sugar FC head coach Bernard Mwalala says he will not rush into the market in search of replacements for the club’s former stars Lawrence Juma and Masita Masuta who left during the close season.

Nzoia have began training ahead of the new season yet Mwalala acknowledged losing the duo has shaved off some momentum ahead of their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) opener against Kariobangi Sharks on February 3.

“We are prepared for the league although I have some concerns about losing our two key players. Our new signing Moven Otinya is recovery from a twisted ankle and hopefully we can have him back in two weeks,” Mwalala told Citizen Digital.

He added he will turn to last season’s fringe players to fill the voids left by Juma and Masuta who departed for Gor Mahia FC and Ulinzi Stars respectively.

“Normally when I lose a player I always try to use a player who has been in the system because they have been seeing how we play and they know what we expect from them. We have players like Patrick Kwitonda, Elvis Rupia and Edgar Nzano whom we used as substitutes last season but now they can step up as regulars,” he said.

The tactician warned they might be unable to prevent their wealthy rivals from snatching the club’s best players due to the lucrative wages they offer and implored for financial support from the Bungoma County Government.

“In this league we have clubs that pay irresistible salaries to players and that’s why we can’t compete,” Mwalala underscored.

Nzoia will continue to use Sudi Stadium as their home ground and could have Kanduyi as an alternative venue this season should the local administration complete the facelift process in time.

“The terraces are complete so right now it’s just about furnishing. It will be a privilege to use two stadia as our home grounds,” he added.

The Millers launch their 2018 league campaign against Sharks before playing Mathare United, Nakumatt Fc and Tusker FC respectively.