As the 2024-2025 FKF Premier League season approaches this Saturday, Mozzart Sport highlights ten players who are primed for a comeback.These individuals experienced a challenging 2023-2024 season, grappling with issues such as injuries, being sidelined, or suspensions.Despite their previous successes or potential for greatness, their performance fell short last season. Now, they face a crucial opportunity to reclaim their form and showcase their talents anew.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284458##Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards)The utility man missed almost the entire last season after undergoing surgery. He returned from injury a few months before the season concluded but still did not get a chance in Leopards’ midfield or defense.Bandi was one of the most highly-rated young players in the league over the last three seasons and remains a big and important player for AFC Leopards. The coming season will be a make-or-break one for him, and he has a chance to bounce back should he convince coach Tomas Trucha that he deserves a chance either at the back or in the middle of the park.Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)Shumah had a good 2022-2023 season and was even handed a couple of call-ups to the national team Harambee Stars. However, last season was tough for the striker, who found himself in and out of the team’s starting XI.He has been touted as a striker with great potential, and he is one of those who will once again need to prove themselves in the coming season. Homeboyz have a new coach, and this probably presents Shumah with a chance to work his way back into the team, maybe bagging goals for the team and also earning a place back in Engin Firat’s Harambee Stars.CAFWCLQ: Kenya Police Bullets edge Rayon Sports to claim maiden winKelvin Etemesi (Nairobi City Stars)Before the start of last season, Etemesi was one of the most sought-after strikers in the FKF Premier League after impressing in his debut 2022-23 season, where he hit double digits in goals.AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Bandari, Ulinzi Stars, and KCB were all after him.He, however, opted to stay at the club for at least one more season, a season that turned out to be a nightmare for the former Kangemi All-Stars man. He started the season slowly before a mysterious illness struck him in December 2023.The illness kept him out of action for months, and towards the end of the season, he returned to the team but was still not at his best. The new season presents the youngster with an opportunity to rediscover his sensational form.Tyson Otieno (Kenya Police FC)The midfielder was the most sought-after player in last season’s off-season transfer window. The race was reduced to one between Gor Mahia and Police, which the law enforcers eventually won.He started the season well but found himself out of the team for the better part of the season. Towards the end, he returned to the starting lineup, showing flashes of the brilliance he displayed in the 2022-23 season with Kariobangi Sharks.Coach Salum Babu showed faith in him and handed him a start in the CAF Confederation Cup game against Ethiopia Coffee on Sunday. This season gives him a chance to hit top form once again.Harambee Stars winger joins Welsh sideLawrence Luvanda (Tusker FC)The winger did not see much playtime last season, partly due to injury and partly due to competition in the squad. The speedy winger now has a chance to redeem himself this season with a new coach at the helm.Coach Charles Okere appears to trust the former Vihiga United man, although he may really need to work hard to cement his place in the team, with the Brewers boasting depth in all departments of the squad.Bryne Omondi (Bandari FC)The national team keeper was a mid-season signing for the Dockers when he crossed over from KCB FC. He had not played much prior to his move to Bandari, and the move did not make things easier either, as he had to compete with Joseph Okoth for the starting berth between the posts.Okoth has since moved to Tusker FC, leaving Omondi as the undisputed number one, and the coming season is a chance for him to prove himself once again.Technicalities that may lock Hussein Mohammed from contesting for FKF electionsBoniface Mwangemi (Posta Rangers)Mwangemi joined Posta after spending last season in the cold due to injury. Once tipped to become one of the best left-backs in the league, the former Dagoretti High School captain’s growth has been hindered by injuries and a lack of adequate playtime at his former sides Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari FC.Known for his speed, defensive solidity, and crossing ability, Mwangemi has a chance to redeem himself, and a move to Posta Rangers ahead of the coming season may be just what he needed to kick-start his career.Moses Shikanda (Kariobangi Sharks)The striker scored eight goals in his maiden top-flight 2022-23 season with Sharks, and AFC Leopards were after his services. However, last season was a tough one for the player as he struggled with injuries that saw him feature in only a few friendly games.With John Makwata gone, he has a chance to lead the line for Sharks should he prove that he deserves that chance, and the 2024-25 season could be the one that hands him the much-needed redemption.Kevin Juma (Gor Mahia)Juma was Gor Mahia’s first signing before the start of last season, signing a long-term deal with the club from Nzoia Sugar FC. A host of clubs were after him after he played a crucial role in helping Nzoia finish fourth in the FKF Premier League.He started a few games early in the season before dropping to the bench and, in some instances, the terraces.His talent is undoubtedly immense, but he needs to prove himself to the new coach, Leonardo, to earn a place in the team next season, which could be the season that he establishes himself in the team.Derrick Anami credits younger sister Jentrix Shikagwa after Mathare United moveHillary Juma (Kakamega Homeboyz)The midfielder played a big part in helping Homeboyz win the Mozzart Bet Cup in 2023 with important goals and assists for the club.However, last season was not ideal for the former Wazito FC man, as he struggled with form and injury and also missed a number of key games towards the end of the season.Things were not made any easier when he tried to force a move away from Homeboyz to Gor Mahia weeks ago, a move the club declined to make happen. He is now back with the team.He has vowed to refocus, and the coming season could be his chance to hit high levels again.Michael Olunga on whether he will become a coach after retirement
