The second-division league in any country serves as a bridge between the top-tier and lower divisions in terms of talent development and football transition.However, in recent seasons, Premier League clubs have shown less interest in scouting from the National Super League (NSL), opting for foreign talent or transfers among themselves.Despite this trend, quality signings from the NSL continue to make an impact in the FKF Premier League.In this article, Mozzart Sport reviews the transfer business between top-flight sides and second-division teams in the recently concluded window.##NAJAVA_MECA_8334263##AFC LeopardsThe twelve-time Kenya Premier League champions did not sign any players from the NSL, despite being linked to Kibera Black Stars’ right-back Joseph Munala early in the window. However, they loaned out Owen Mboya to Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA).BandariThe Mombasa-based club has maintained strong ties with NSL sides like Mombasa United, Mombasa Stars, and the now-defunct Mombasa Elite. Bandari signed Harambee Stars trialist Shariff Amubwombe on a permanent deal from Mombasa Elite, following his loan stint in the 2023/2024 season. They also loaned Dennis Magige and Sheikh Aleley to Mombasa United, and Swaleh Chacha Mwite signed permanently with United.Bidco United Coach Anthony Akhulia, known for nurturing young talent in Thika, continued his policy and integrated players from within but also signed two players from the NSL—Evans Makari from Nairobi United and Marvin Amuka from Dimba Patriots. Ezekiel Okare left Bidco to rejoin Mully Children’s Family (MCF), where he previously scored 25 goals before being signed by Bidco.Gor MahiaAs expected, the defending champions did not recruit from the NSL, but they released Boniface Odhiambo and Gilbert Otieno to Samwest Blackboots and Parmenas Ochola to Naivas.EXCLUSIVE: Adagala speaks on Muhoroni Stadium’s ‘bad’ reputation, relegation and season’s plansKakamega HomeboyzHomeboyz added two players from the NSL: Ben Stanley Omondi from Migori Youth, who had previously been with Ulinzi Stars, and former AFC Leopards player Hansel Ochieng, who was with Rainbow last season. They shipped experienced defender Eric Ambunya to MCF FC.Kariobangi SharksSharks continue to have strong ties with NSL teams, signing four players this season. Goalkeeper Brian Odhiambo returned from his loan at Vihiga Bullets, while Rainbow trio Paul Jawa, Ally Salum, and Jacob Otieno also joined the squad.KCBAfter an active January transfer window focusing on the NSL, KCB only signed two players this time—Rodgers Angal Oporia from Nairobi United and Raydon Munane from Darajani Gogo. Evans Juma and Bramwell Chemweno were loaned to Naivas and Darajani Gogo, respectively.Kenya PoliceKenya Police did not bring in any players from the NSL but loaned out former AFC Leopards midfielder Dennis Musamali Kakai to Nairobi United.##NAJAVA_MECA_8333852##Mara SugarThe Millers made a significant signing from Kisumu All Stars, acquiring striker Noah Ngiendo. They also sent out Ernest Oyugi to MOFA, Eliud Emase to Nzoia Sugar, and James Olweny and Mohammed Baraza to MCF.Mathare UnitedComing from the second tier, Mathare signed Hakim Msami Ingosi and Daniel Odhiambo from Mombasa Elite, as well as Brian Ouru and Derrick Anami from Naivas. Veteran Cliff Kasuti left for MCF.Murang’a Seal Murang’a Seal was one of the most active Premier League sides in the NSL, signing five players. Mombasa Stars’ top scorer Joel Kihara joined, along with goalkeeper Morgan Ambuka from Muhoroni Youth, Innocent Lihasi from Darajani Gogo, defender David Wafula from Rainbow, and Victor Haki from Nzoia Sugar. Striker Rashid Moyo moved to Naivas.Nairobi City Stars City Stars had minimal interaction with the NSL, signing Stephen Bulugu from Muhoroni Youth and transferring Newton Ochieng to Naivas.Ghost Mulee fires back at Engin Firat over Harambee Stars criticismShabana Shabana raided Luanda Villa for Brian Bett and brought in Kevin Omundi from MCF. They sent Wycliffe Nthata to Vihiga United, Brian Odhiambo and Nehemiah Onchiri to Samwest Blackboots, Stephen Ochieng to Kisumu All Stars, and Victor Juma to Migori Youth.FC TalantaCoach Jackline Juma added five players from the NSL—Edwin Njumba and Enock Momanyi from Nairobi United, Phabian Odhiambo from Rainbow, Peter Abiola from Kibera Black Stars, and Emmanuel Osoro from Nzoia Sugar. The club released Herman Ngala to Nairobi United.##NAJAVA_MECA_8333861##TuskerTusker signed Vihiga Bullets’ top prospect Thomas Omole, defender Alex Onchwari from Muhoroni Youth, and Ryan Ogam from Rainbow. They released Collins Otieno to MOFA.Ulinzi StarsUlinzi Stars raided Migori Youth for Felix Otieno, Brian Okello, and Joseph Ochieng, while also signing Dennis Owino from Muhoroni. Omar Swaleh was loaned to MOFA.
