With the 2022/23 FKF Premier League season set to kick off in under a week’s time, Mozzart Sport looks at players that need to redeem themselves in the new season. These are players who had an underwhelming 2021/22 season for reasons ranging from injury, being out of favor, suspension etc. Changes in the technical bench, departures or even injuries tend to hand out-of-favour or players who have not had much playtime a chance to redeem themselves or with an opportunity to get that breakthrough.The best such example is Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. In 2016, Injuries to Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney and Will Keane provided the then 18-year old with an opportunity to make his debut in the Europa League against FC Midtjylland. He capped it with a brace and got another against Arsenal in the English Premier League a few days later, he has never looked back.##NAJAVA_MECA_6812356##Here are ten FKF Premier League players that have a chance to hit top form again.Bernard Odhiambo (Bandari)The central defender was a rock in the Dockers’ defence during the 2020/21 season under coach Cassa Mbungo. He forged a partnership with Brian Otieno at the heart of defence and helped the team finish third in the league, in addition he was the team captain. The 2021/22 season was a tough one for the player. The signing of Rodgers Aloro, Andrew Juma and the return of Felly Mulumba relegated him to the terrace, he has since been stripped of the captaincy. The 2022/23 season is chance for the former Gor Mahia man to reclaim his place in the team.21-year-old Francis Kahata then at Thika United vs Vincent Enyeama in Calaba 💥 pic.twitter.com/VSvfYw6ZV6— Bonface Osano (@bonfaceosano) April 7, 2020 Francis Kahata (Kenya Police FC)He needs no introduction. He scored the famous goal in Calabar Nigeria against the Super Eagles as Kenya claimed an unlikely point. He has featured for Gor Mahia and Simba, has been a mainstay in the Harambee Stars squad.However, since he joined the law enforcers from Sidama Coffee, things have not been the same. He struggled with injuries and was not the player we know. He has been impressive during pre-season and the new season is a chance for the midfield magician to entertain us again.Alfred Tanui (Nzoia Sugar FC)In September 2021, Tanui, then turning out for Kisumu All-Stars was named young player of the year in the National Super League. It earned him a move to Posta Rangers a side he left for Nzoia Sugar in mid-season without making an appearance for the mail-men. At Nzoia he was behind Levis Okello in the pecking order and did not play much, he is yet to score a goal for the millers.Okello left for Kakamega Homeboyz and this is an opportunity for the young striker to start firing again. Fortunately he has the trust of coach Salim Babu whom he worked with at All-Stars.2021 National Super League young player of the year Alfred Emoni Tanui joins Nzoia Sugar from Posta Rangers.Don’t know why it didn’t work for him at Posta. Good acquisition for Nzoia nonetheless, he will score goals. #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/UZrUPBz1R4— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) February 8, 2022 Nicholas Kipkirui (KCB FC)Once upon a time he terrorized defenders in Zoo and later Gor Mahia colors. In March 2021 he joined Nairobi City Stars and things have never been the same for the striker.He recently sealed a move to KCB FC and coach Zedekiah Otieno, whom he worked with at Gor Mahia will be hoping that he fills the void left by last season’s league top scorer, Derrick Otanga who moved to Libya.Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police FC)When the striker inked a deal with the law-enforcers in February after terminating his contract with Saudi’s Bisha FC, the law enforcers thought they had landed the striker who terrorized defenders in Nzoia Sugar FC and AFC Leopards colours.Sadly the moved became a nightmare as months passed and there was a reported fallout that resulted in him being frozen out of the team. He however returned after a couple of games and is now in coach Pamzo’s plans. The new season presents an opportunity for him to fire again.📹 Match highlightsRelive Elvis Rupia’s debut cum winning goal for the #HarambeeStars against South Sudan#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/0wCK6DB31Q— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 14, 2021 Danson Chetambe (KCB FC)During the 2020/12 season, the midfielder was among the leaders in the assists’ chart while turning out for Bandari FC. He was running the show in the middle of the park for the Dockers.The following season proved to be a nightmare as he barley featured for the club. He has since signed for KCB and has a chance to rock again, this time for the Bankers.Eric Gichimu (Bidco United)Before the start of last season, Gichimu joined Wazito after an impressive debut season with Wazito. Injuries and playtime made the transfer a nightmare for the striker who returned to United after half a season with Wazito, he struggled to hit the ground running upon his return.After a lengthy pre-season, he has a chance to fire again in the new season and coach Anthony Akhulia will be hoping to see the version of the striker that tormented defenders during the 2020/21 season.Rodgers Aloro (Bandari)After being integral to Tusker’s title win during the 2020/21 season, Aloro moved to Bandari FC hoping to steer the ambitious Dockers to the title.Within weeks however, he found playtime difficult to come by. Just like Odhiambo, he was behind Mulumba, Otieno and Juma in the pecking order. He is still in Bandari’s books and he has a chance to become a key player for the Mombasa based club again.Gor Mahia rocked by strange flu ahead of league kick offGeoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)The left-back was out to close to a year after undergoing knee surgery and returned for the second leg last season. Nicknamed Simiti (Cement) because of his tough tackling, Ochieng was one of Gor’s best players before the injury.After aa good pre-season with the record league champions, he has an opportunity to hit the ground once again in the coming campaign.Musa Oundo (AFC Leopards)The former Mathare United youth team captain returns to the top-flight afeter a couple of seasons in the lower tier. He was once touted to hit the levels of his elder brother Tom Juma who is the current AFC Leopards assistant coach, Juma was key for the national team and played football abroad.However things have not gone well for Oundo, who after the disbandment of Chemelil found himself in the lower tiers. After a stint with Kibera Black Stars, he is now with AFC Leopards and from the friendly matches played so far, he has been impressive in the defensive midfield that was left deprived of manpower after Marvin Nabwire, Daniel Musamali and Collins Sichenje all left.The new season presents him with the much-needed chance and Ingwe technical bench will be hoping that he fills that void successfully.Olunga on course for FIFA Referee Cup silverware
