Mad rush on to secure targets as deadline nears

Meddie Kagere (right) vies with Eugene Asike of Tusker in a semi-final of the Top 8 Knockout Tournament at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on October 17, 2015. Gor Mahia are yet to sign Kagere. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • AFC Leopards are racing to complete the signing of Malian striker Ismailia Diarra and former Simba forward, Paul Kiongera.
  • Champions Gor are yet to make up their mind on whether to sign Brazilian forward Thiago Da Lima Silva or re-sign Rwandan Meddie Kagere.
  • The fate of George “Blackberry” Odhiambo is also hanging in the balance as his contract expired early this month and he is yet to be renewed.

With the SportsPesa Premier League June transfer window closing on Friday, clubs are engaged in last ditch efforts to complete the paperwork for their targets before the deadline.

Thirteen-time champions AFC Leopards are racing to complete the signing of Malian striker Ismailia Diarra and former Simba forward, Paul Kiongera.

Ingwe have so far added to their roster right back Edwin Wafula and midfielder Bernard Mang’oli, both of whom have rejoined the club on two-year deals after brief unsuccessful stints with Bandari.

The duo are joined by Harambee Stars trialist and ex-Posta Rangers custodian Ian Otieno, who has hit the ground running at the den.

Otieno was in sparkling form on Friday saving three penalties as Leopards survived a scare to edge out Mumbi Nationale 3-2 in post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in the GOtv Shield to advance to the round of 32.

MORE QUALITY

Leopards coach, Ivan Minnaert is so far impressed. He said: “They (new signing) bring more quality in the team and I’m pleased.”

“We have three good goalkeepers and each one of them will need to fight for his position. It is the same case with the outfield players.

Champions Gor Mahia are yet to make up their mind on whether to sign Brazilian forward Thiago Da Lima Silva or re-sign Rwandan Meddie Kagere, who dazzled last season finishing the second top club scorer. Both have been training with K’Ogalo.

The fate of George “Blackberry” Odhiambo is also hanging in the balance as his contract expired early this month and he is yet to be offered a new deal.
Gor’s acting secretary general Ronald Ngala said:  “The coach will make up his mind and tell us. He has requested that we give him up to Wednesday (tomorrow) for him to make a decision.
“They are both players we want to sign and they are still training with the team. Let us wait for feedback from the coach.”