Restructuring National Super League (NSL) side Samwest Blackboots, formerly Vihiga Bullets, have officially released seven players to create room for new arrivals in the ongoing transfer window.According to the club’s head coach, Andrea Ongwae, the Nairobi-based club has let go of the players, and a similar number is expected to be added before the conclusion of the transfer window.Blackboots had a rough campaign and needed the intervention of loan players and a new coach to steady the rocking ship.##NAJAVA_MECA_8210017##With the new season approaching, they are keen to avoid mistakes from the previous term and aim for a top-five finish.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Ongwae noted that the players who were deemed surplus to requirements made little contribution to the team in the just concluded campaign and have been given room to develop their careers elsewhere.Mozzart Sport has since established that Frank Emmanuel, Alex Manyara, Boniface Muthoni, Antony Baraza, Francis Otanga, Isaac Maina, and Bruce Achesa have all left the club and will not be offered contract extensions.More outgoings are expected, with some players given a chance during the preseason to prove they deserve a second lease on life with the Samwest Distributors-powered team.“In our bid to strengthen the team for a possible top-five finish next season, Samwest Blackboots have parted ways with seven players from the squad of 25 we had last season,” Ongwae said.“It doesn’t stop there. We may have more outgoings. We have given five more players a chance to prove themselves when we start our preseason training. If they fail to impress, we will release them before the end of the transfer window to find new opportunities,” added the former Gusii FC coach.“The players that have left served us diligently with true dedication. As a club, we wish them well in their new endeavours.”AFC Leopards set for pivotal Special General MeetingOngwae, who joined the club at the start of the year from Darajani Gogo, revealed they are working round the clock to get quality players who will align with the club’s quest for a top-five finish next season.“The club is already in talks with top-quality players that the technical bench suggested they want to work with. We will sign in all departments to have competition and depth in the team,” he added.With the team set to start pre-season on Monday 22 July, the former Gor Mahia, Shabana, and Zoo defender said they will not conduct open trials but rather invite players according to the positions needed, with quality being a top priority.Vihiga Bullets rebrands to Samwest Blackboots
