Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One Zone B side Harvest of Hope (HOHA) has finalized a takeover of National Super League (NSL) club SamWest Blackboots, Mozzart Sport can exclusively reveal.HOHA, which secured promotion to the third tier this season by acquiring Gusii FC’s slot, is now set to become the first Busia-based team in over a decade to compete in the second division.According to reliable sources close to HOHA, financial constraints and economic challenges forced the move as Blackboots appeared to struggle to sustain operations. The club’s primary sponsor has also opted away from football, leaving the team vulnerable.##NAJAVA_MECA_8726770##On Monday, Blackboots had communicated to players to start finding other options in the ongoing transfer window if things were not going to change at the club.HOHA CEO Fred Munika remained tight-lipped on the specifics, referring to it as a sponsorship agreement. However, insiders confirm that all necessary paperwork, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will be finalized over the weekend to formalize the takeover.”We have reached an agreement with the owner of Samwest Blackboots, and going forward, we will be competing in the National Super League,” Munika told Mozzart Sport.”We are not just a team—we are a football family committed to ensuring no club collapses. That’s why we have taken this step to absorb Blackboots and some of their players.”Stiff penalties for Migori Youth in ill-tempered match against Nairobi UnitedAs part of the agreement, the team will now host matches in Mumias, Kakamega County. HOHA is expected to integrate eight Blackboots players, along with head coach Andrea Ongwae, who is being lined up for an assistant coach role.”We are bringing in eight players from their squad. We also want Ongwae because he previously worked with Selebwa and Kanuli, and we believe they can help us compete,” added Munika.##NAJAVA_MECA_8726905##While the exact reasons behind Blackboots’ owner relinquishing the club remain unclear, Mozzart Sport has learned frustration over poor performances and the financial strain of running a football club in Kenya forced the move.Despite significant investments, the returns were minimal, leading to his decision to step away.Despite the takeover, Blackboots will retain their name until the end of the season due to FKF regulations prohibiting mid-season rebranding.FKF Division One outfit Harvest of Hope (HOHA) have completed a merger deal with Samwest Blackboots.The team will now compete in the National Super League and host matches at Mumias Sports Complex.Eight players from Blackboots will joins HOHA with coach Andrea Ongwae also… pic.twitter.com/th7FrtD4Qh— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) February 21, 2025 This marks another major shift in the club’s identity, as Blackboots previously acquired Vihiga Bullets from former Governor Moses Akaranga in 2023, moving their base from Vihiga to Nairobi.Vihiga had its best season in 2020-21, finishing second behind FC Talanta to earn top-flight promotion, only to be relegated after a disastrous 2022–23 campaign.New Gor Mahia head coach slams quality of his players after Bidco draw
