New faces, fresh battles: A glance at Sportpesa League teams' new transfers

The 2025/26 SportPesa League season kicks off tomorrow, with KCB FC facing Tusker FC at Kasarani Stadium from 6:00 pm.

As the league curtain rises, teams have been busy in the transfer market, sealing moves both locally and internationally during the just-concluded Primary Transfer Window.

The Federation has released the full list of player movements, highlighting significant reinforcements across the league.

To set the ball rolling, we look at the big international arrivals. Several clubs turned to foreign markets to bolster their squads.

Notable signings include Rami Coulibaly from Morocco’s Chabab Alam Tanger, George Amonoo from Ghana’s Karela United, Muhammad Jagason from Libya’s Al Anwar, and Eric Kapaito, who returns to Kenya from Tanzania’s Namungo FC. Ugandan influence also remains strong, with players such as Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC) and Edward Masembe (SC Villa) joining the league.

From DR Congo, Moise Mbombo and Exauce Misuri add attacking flair, while Nigeria’s Samuel Ayanrinde (Shooting Stars SC) is among the headline signings expected to light up the new campaign.

Closer to home, Kenyan clubs were active in shuffling domestic players. James Kinyanjui moved from Bandari to strengthen another side, while Enock Brian Wanyama switched from Gor Mahia. Mike Kibwage completed a high-profile transfer from Tusker, while seasoned midfielder Humphrey Mieno joined Sofapaka.

AFC Leopards were also in the thick of the action, with several youth players stepping up and experienced signings like Ovella Ochieng making a return to the domestic scene.

The window also provided opportunities for emerging talent from youth setups. Clubs promoted players from their academies, including Gor Mahia Youth, Tusker Youth, and Nairobi City Stars Youth. This injection of fresh legs highlights a growing reliance on nurturing homegrown players.

A list of club signings:

AFC Leopards

Leopards have been among the most active in the window, signing Azizi Okaka from Sofapaka and bringing back Ovella Ochieng, alongside youngsters Jamal Obeid and Deng Kang Kuai Bilkuei from their youth setup.

The club also promoted goalkeeper Levis Opiyo and added Brian Yakhama to strengthen their forward line. In terms of outgoings, Lewis Bandi departed for Bandari, while long-serving defender Gideon Werre moved to Sofapaka.

Gor Mahia

Champions Gor Mahia made some headline moves, including the signing of Rodgers Ouma and promoting Reagan Ogolla from their youth side. They also captured Gedeon Bendeka and brought back Boniface Omondi, while loaning out veteran defender Joash Onyango to Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars. On the departures list, Enock Brian Wanyama left for greener pastures.

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• fresh battles: A glance at Sportpesa League teams' new transfers

Tusker FC

Tusker reinforced their midfield with David Odoyo and added youthful prospects Douglas Omanga and George Ochieng from their youth system. However, they saw defender Mike Kibwage depart, alongside loanees Jacob Onyango and Daniel Kakai.

KCB FC

The Bankers were among the busiest, securing the services of Joshua Nyatini and Derrick Otanga, as well as Francis Oduor and striker Derrick Omondi. They also welcomed back Victor Omondi and Danson Kiprono, adding depth to their attack. Meanwhile, forward Manzur Okwaro exited.

Bandari FC

Bandari leaned heavily on youth, promoting Omar Omari, Mohamed Nyanje, and Bilal Atano Otieno, while also signing Fidel Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Siraji Mohammed, and Jackson Dwang. Veteran midfielder John Macharia also joined the Dockers. Departures included James Kinyanjui and Ronny Otieno.

Sofapaka FC

Batoto ba Mungu signed Humphrey Mieno and Jack Onganya to add experience in midfield. They also brought in Wayne Dalvin Otieno and Edward Omondi, while youth players Nick Mabuka, Japheth Lihanda, and Morgan Sitawa were promoted. Outgoings included Azizi Okaka (AFC Leopards) and Rodgers Kipkemoi.

Kariobangi Sharks

Sharks tapped into youth again, promoting Jahson Wakachala, Nicholas Onyango, Tony Musa Shiroya, Francis Siololo, and Price Musebe. They also lost Brian Odhiambo and Fortune Omoto, while Kevin Musamali joined from another side.

Ulinzi Stars

The Soldiers added Samunya Amatton, Issa Lumumba Rashid, and Yakeen Mutheli, while losing Issa Emuria and a few squad players.

Posta Rangers

Rangers were equally active, bringing in Bonface Mwangemi, Eric Gichimu, Patilah Omoto, and Curtis Wekesa, alongside Mwinyi Shami. They also let go of Felix Oluoch to Bandari.

Murang’a Seals

Seal lost Morgan Ambuka and Rajab Omar but added David Wafula to maintain depth.