George Midenyo’s Mara Sugar FC, first-timers in the FKF Premier League have not only shown in the first leg that they mean business, but also that they can attract quality talent from around the country. The latest addition to the side is Steven Otieno, a player no stranger to the top flight and a one-time junior national team prospect. Ken Owino reveals what returning defender adds to Ingwe backlineHaving already tasted the top flight with Kisumu All Stars, Sony Sugar FC, Kariobangi Sharks and Nzoia Sugar FC, the speedy left-footed winger credits good fortune and immense hard work during the first leg of the second-tier National Super League (NSL) for his return to the premiership. “It’s clear I have been working hard in the second tier and even my former team All Stars, I leave them placed favourably in the table standings. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8692779##Having been already here in the KPL, I really felt I belonged here and that’s why I had to put in the work, stay humble and finally the work has paid off. I thank Mara Sugar for their trust in me and my former club All Stars for the platform that enabled me to bounce back,” says Otieno.Nairobi City Stars forward ‘hurt’ to leave clubThe winger who only missed two matches for All Stars in the first leg, however, says it had been his wish to come back up with his former side but Mara Sugar’s offer was too good to pass. He hopes his former teammates continue the fight for promotion. “When we were relegated to the NSL at Nzoia and I moved back to All Stars, the aim was to immediately help the team come back up. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8692815##We had a good team and recorded plenty of good results, personally, I’m impressed with my contribution to the team. I pray they continue the fight and join the top flight,’’ continues Otieno who managed a four-goal haul and eight assists for All Stars. He walks into a team that, just after promotion to the premiership, adopted a full-throttle strategy- taking on established teams head on and that would perhaps explain why- unlike most newcomers- they occupy a mid-table position midway through the season. Otieno wants to push the team up. Case involving Migori Youth and police officer assaulted during Nairobi United clash takes new turn”The goal is to repay the team’s trust in me by delivering in the way of goals and assists. It’s not going to be easy because the team already has good and experienced players who play in my position. Once I get the minutes, I will get to work right away,” he adds.The former junior international joins a team that already has such established names as Michael Isabwa and Awitta Batts on the flanks and it will take tremendous effort to break into the starting team. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8692782##Coach Midenyo lost midfield dynamo Mathias Isogol to KCB FC and has so far brought in Shabana’s Christopher Raila and Harun Thomas as replacements in that position. He takes on FC Talanta at home next, a 2 PM kick-off contest slated for Sunday 9 February at the Awendo Green Stadium. Health issues force former AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia forward to retire at 30Having fallen 2-0 away against Kakamega Homeboyz in Round 19, the Millers will need to go for a full share of the spoils against one of the most unpredictable oppositions in the premier league.
