Fortune Sacco coach Vincent Nyaberi says his mid-season recruits will strengthen the team’s promotion bid as the club targets qualification for the SportPesa League.
Nyaberi brought in 10 players during the mid-season transfer window, which closed on Monday. He said the squad needed reinforcements and depth ahead of a demanding second round in the National Super League (NSL).
“When I joined the team, we only had 19 players. We have recruited 10 players, but so far, only six have been registered. I hope the rest will be registered before the end of the week,” Nyaberi said.
Fortune Sacco signings aimed at fixing weak spots
Nyaberi, a CAF B licence holder, said the club’s recruitment focused on areas that struggled in the first leg of the season. He also said he wanted options across the pitch because the second round will be more competitive.
“I have beefed up the areas we identified as weaknesses in the first leg and added depth because the second leg will be highly competitive,” he said.
He added that the squad has also received a timely boost from players returning from injury.
“I’m also happy to report that some of the players who have been out with injuries are back in the squad and ready to fight,” he said.
Brian Marvin adds experience at the back
Former Shabana centre back Brian Marvin is among the new arrivals. Nyaberi has worked with Marvin before at Murang’a Seal and Mully Children’s Family (MCF).
“Marvin is an experienced player. We need his experience and leadership as we head to the second leg. He is an important player,” Nyaberi said.
Kirui and Ochieng bring new options in attack and midfield
Nyaberi also pointed to the addition of forward Nick Kirui, signed from Division One side Marafiki FC.
“His experience and leadership will equally be invaluable to us,” he said.
Midfielder Victor Ochieng, formerly of Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet, has also joined the Kianyaga-based club. Fortune Sacco have further strengthened midfield options with the arrivals of Ramah Mwamburi and John Okoth from MCF.
MOFA test awaits as NSL second round begins
Fortune Sacco will resume their promotion chase when they host the Micheal Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) as the NSL second round starts.
“MOFA is ahead of us in the league, and they have signed good players. We expect a tough duel against them, but our target is maximum points,” Nyaberi said.
Nyaberi previously guided Murang’a Seal to SportPesa League promotion.
Tight table adds pressure to the run-in
MOFA have strengthened their squad with joint NSL top scorer Vincent Nyabuto from Gucha Stars and Joshua Amunike from Nairobi City Stars. Nyabuto has 11 goals, the same as MOFA’s Syphas Otieno, while Amunike has 10.
Fortune Sacco sit fifth on 32 points, while MOFA are third with 35 points. Migori Youth lead the standings with 37 points, level with Mombasa United, but ahead on goal difference.
With the table tight and the second round underway, Fortune Sacco are betting their new signings and returning players can deliver the points needed to stay in the promotion race.
