Murang’a Seal have ramped up their preparations for the 2024–25 season, which kicks off on Saturday 24 August, determined to silence critics who fear they might face relegation after losing several key players during the off-season transfer window.The team enjoyed a strong start to the 2023–24 season, at one point being considered serious title contenders.However, a three-month slump starting in November 2023 led to a dramatic drop in their FKF Premier League standings, ultimately leaving them in 14th place with 38 points by the end of the season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284458##Predicted FinishOn paper, they look weaker than last season. Having lost star players such as Erick Balecho, Bonphas Munyasa, Moses Semo, Brian Marvin, and Denni Kweyu, they are likely to struggle. However, they have brought in players to fill the void, and based on their pre-season performance against both top and lower-tier teams, they look capable.The team could avoid relegation by finishing between 10th and 13th positions on the FKF Premier League log. A strong start will be vital for the John Njogu-guided team.Transfers In and OutApart from the key players they lost to other teams, the club also parted with strikers Batts Awita, Cornelius Juma, and Rashid Moyo. The new faces in the team include midfielders Lucas Maina and Nicholas Omondi from Ulinzi Stars, goalkeepers Morgan Ambuka from Muhoroni Youth, and Innocent Lihasi from Darajani Gogo. Defenders David Wafula and Brian Wanyonyi join from Rainbow FC and FC Talanta, respectively, while winger Victor Haki comes from Nzoia, and striker Joel Kihara arrives from Mombasa Stars.Michael Olunga on whether he will become a coach after retirementKey PlayersKey players for next season will include striker Titus Kapchanga and Maina, who is expected to be a key player in midfield. New signing Kihara has been in great scoring form during pre-season and will be one to watch. Seasoned winger Joe Waithira and Haki, acquired from Nzoia, will also be vital for the Murang’a County-based team.Young Talent to WatchWith the departures, Seal has turned to their youth team, promoting young Levis Wanjala. The central midfielder is touted as a big prospect, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the coming season. Those at the club believe he has the potential to become a hit, and it will be intriguing to see if he can make an impact early on.Head CoachVeteran coach Juma Abdallah retains his place as the club head coach, while former Thika United coach John Njogu is also part of the bench as an assistant coach.First Five FixturesSeal opens their campaign with an away game against Ulinzi Stars FC. They will then host KCB before traveling to play Kariobangi Sharks. They will thereafter host Mara Sugar before taking their first long trip to play Bandari FC in Mombasa.Ulinzi is a team in transition, and Seal will fancy their chances. KCB have rebuilt heavily, both in terms of players and coaching staff, which could pose a challenge, but Seal will be keen not to lose their first home game. Against Sharks, last season’s encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, so they will be confident of getting something out of the game. They will also believe they can secure maximum points against the newbies’ Mara, before the tricky game in Mombasa, where they are second favorites.On paper, the first five fixtures are not entirely friendly, but there are considerable points to pick in the opening 15 points of the campaign.Chris Ochieng rallies Gor Mahia fans ahead of CAF Champions League return matchPotential ChallengesSeal’s potential challenges could stem from personnel. They have lost key players to other teams and tried to replace them with players who, on paper, may be of slightly lesser quality. It is a gamble that could either work or backfire.Another challenge is the relatively low wages they offer, which played a key role in losing key players to other teams, including their rivals, Shabana FC. This could be a long-term issue, as players may continually seek better opportunities elsewhere, leaving the club with the ongoing challenge of rebuilding.Derrick Anami credits younger sister Jentrix Shikagwa after Mathare United move##EDITORS_CHOICE##
