Ken Kenyatta’s FC Talanta played it safe once again in the recently concluded FKF Premier League season. Ending the 2022/23 campaign placed 14th on the log, the middle way seems to fit Kenyatta’s philosophy way too well. Not too close to the top, and not too close to the bottom either.Staying up, however, was never a concern for the team but with the transfer window open- coupled with Kenyatta’s penchant for overhauling his playing units- changes are in the offing, most of them forced this time.Right-back Alvin Ochieng has already left for Gor Mahia FC and leading striker Brian Yakhama will be on his way out too. Moves the club has little muscle to prevent.##NAJAVA_MECA_7365344##There is, however, another group of out-of-contract players who might choose to renew or walk. Elisha Owino is one such name. And being just his second season in the top flight, there seems to be plenty of room for him in the top flight table. He reflects on a ‘solid’ season with Talanta.‘’Personally, I’m impressed with the way I played whenever given a chance at Talanta. I was just returning to the premier league after one year out in the NSL so it’s a place to start,’’ says the former Kisumu All Stars midfielder.Owino made his debut on the opening day against Kariobangi Sharks and went on to play five times in the first leg, including a 2-1 over Vihiga Bullets. Even though competing for starting places with seasoned anchormen at Talanta, he says this spurred him on.‘’Playing alongside experience is always a plus to any upcoming athlete so I took this as a positive challenge, it fuelled my desire to succeed and I’m grateful for all the chances that I was granted by our coach,’’ he adds.NSL top scorer Nyamawi Beja seals move to BandariHe would later be summoned nine times during the second leg, a marked improvement from the first leg. The 23-year-old bides his time in the current window, hoping for a scaling up before the 2023/24 season begins.‘’If I don’t get to stay then I can only pray for a bigger challenge. Staying in the premier league, however, is a priority,’’ concludes the former Kisumu Day skipper.Talanta finished the season just two points ahead of Nairobi City Stars who themselves had barely survived relegation after a disastrous season. With a -15 goal difference and just eight wins in the campaign, Kenyatta’s men clearly had deep-lying maladies; and many have hinted at finances.
