Uncertainty hurting our recruitment plans, City Stars lament

The Covid-19 pandemic is proving to be an obstacle in the recruitment strategies of many clubs across all top tier leagues in the country.

Due to this, most clubs have opted to halt all recruitment plans until they receive official communication regarding the league restart.

And fresh from conquering the National Super League, Nairobi City Stars have put all recruitment plans on hold until the uncertainty regarding the pandemic is over even as they plan for a start to life in the Kenya Premier League.

Speaking to Citizen Digital,team coordinator Samson Otieno said it would be costly to the team if they were to recruit players now.

“The uncertainty regarding when the league will start is stopping us signing players.

“I believe this is the case with all clubs. For instance, if the league starts in January it means we will be paying players while they are seated at home doing nothing.

“At the end that will prove unsustainable as many clubs are struggling financially,” he said.

He says they will consider players from both KPL and the NSL when recruiting once the future is clear.

“There are many players in the country across all top tier leagues.

“Currently we have eighteen players who are under contract with the club and we aim to secure seven more to have a complete squad.

“We will embark on recruiting players the moment the announcement is made so that the recruits can join us in the preseason,” he intimated.

One of the gaps the team will aim to fill before the league resumes is that of veteran shot-stopper Levis Opiyo who opted to run out his contract.

Opiyo turned out for Simba wa Nairobi 25 times and was named player of the month in September 2019.

His crucial penalty saves against Nairobi Stima and Vihiga United proved pivotal as the team went on to seal promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.

Elsewhere, despite releasing many players, KPL moneybags Wazito say they have halted all preseason and recruitment plans until the uncertainty is over.

Club Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gicheru has said the team will make concrete plans once there is official communication on the league restart.

“We are waiting for official communication from the league regarding the restart so that we can embark on planning for the signings.

“At the moment it is difficult to plan for other things like preseason because we will be wasting our resources,” he reckoned.

The team recruited heavil last term but that spirit was not replicated on the pitch as lackluster performances saw them rank 13th when the league was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.