Sunday, 22 June, marked a painful footnote in FC Talanta’s history as they bid farewell to the FKF Premier League after a four-year sojourn.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Kenya Academy of Sports-owned side dropped to the National Super League (NSL) following a 1-0 defeat to Murang’a Seal, a match that guaranteed safety for the winner.The deflating defeat marked the conclusion of a turbulent campaign that was both historic and humbling.Harambee Stars wing-back joins English League Two clubFrom appointing the league’s first female head coach to nearly producing the Golden Boot winner, Talanta’s story this past season was a complex blend of progress, promise, and pain.A season of missed chances and marginsTalanta, who made their top-flight debut in the 2021/22 season, have struggled to establish themselves as a Premier League force.After finishing 12th in their maiden campaign, then 14th and 15th in the following seasons, they finally ran out of room.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004603##This season, they ended second-bottom with 35 points from 34 matches, managing only nine wins and eight draws while suffering 17 losses. They were relegated by the slimmest of margins, missing safety by just three goals.Their final game summed up their season: needing only a draw to stay up, they fell 1-0 to Murang’a Seal, a result that condemned them to the second tier.Osoro’s brilliance overshadowedAmid the gloom, striker Emmanuel Osoro was a bright spark. The former Nzoia Sugar FC winger scored 16 goals in the campaign, just one shy of top scorer Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboyz.Clyde Senaji reveals preferred destination after cutting ties with Malawian clubInterestingly, Osoro began the season as a winger, but under the watchful eye of the technical bench, he was converted into a striker, a role he adapted to exceptionally well.The goal poacher went on to make his national team debut, where he shone bright, scoring a goal on his debut against Chad.History maker Jackline Juma at the wheelAt the start of the season, Talanta broke new ground by appointing Jackline Juma as head coach, making her the first woman to lead a team in the FKF Premier League.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004620##Her appointment was widely celebrated as a major step for gender equality in Kenyan football.Juma took over a squad that had been rebuilt with fresh signings. Among them were returnee Enock Machaka, midfielder Edwin Jumba, veteran Benard Odhiambo, and goalkeeper Gabriel Andika. The club also brought in Kevin Odongo, who had returned from a stint in Europe, and young prospect Osoro.Mass exodus in mid-seasonThe optimism quickly faded midway through the season when Talanta lost 15 players during the February transfer window, many of them regular starters.Kenya waives visa fees for CHAN and AFCON fans to boost regional accessAmong those who left were Andika, Arnold Shizukane, Kevin Maliachi, Ian Omondi, Larry Odhiambo, Edwin Jumba, Luis Masika, Machaka, December Kisakah, Lucas Boke, Alex Luganji, Joshua Amunike, Erick Otieno, Augustine Kuta, and Michael Jairo.“If we had signed just 2–3 experienced players mid-season, we might have survived. We lost a lot of our starting players. They would have made a big difference. These weren’t just any players; they were regulars who understood our system. Their departure hit us hard,” the team’s tactician, Patrick Muchiri, told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004627##Desperate rebuild with youth and hopeIn response to the crisis, the club recruited 12 new players, many from KAS selections, university sides, and lower-tier clubs, to plug the gaps and inject fresh energy.Those who came in included Brandon Obiero and Broline Opiyo in goal, defenders Herit Mungai, Elisha Otieno, and Meguel Osotsi, midfielders Isaiah Kipkurui, Cliff Oruko, Chris Opondo, and Lennox Kimani, as well as forwards Evans Malo, Mohamed Abdallah, and Stewart Omondi.Though promising on paper, the new-look team struggled to gel quickly enough. And while there were flashes of brilliance, the cohesion needed to survive the drop just was not there.South African, Zambian clubs in tug-of war for Francis Kahiro’s signatureExternal distractions and mental fatigueMuchiri also lifted the lid on deeper problems within the squad, hinting at the impact of match-fixing allegations and a general loss of belief.“There were worrying moments. You’d see a senior player make an obvious error, and you’d start asking yourself questions. At the start of the season, some names were called in match-fixing scandals. It became difficult to prepare for games when you feel like something invisible is pulling you back. Sometimes, I was not even sure what we were fighting against,” he offered.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004639##Despite those setbacks, Muchiri credited the club’s management for working overtime to meet the player’s needs.“To their credit, the office supported us fully. Every player and every staff member was paid. That’s rare in this league. But in the end, we were relegated by just three goals. That’s how fine the margins were.After we lost to AFC Leopards 3-1, no one thought we’d go down. All we needed was one point against Murang’a Seal. But something just wasn’t right that day. It’s still hard to explain,” he uttered.More millions for Kenya Police, Nairobi United after CAF participation fee incrementPlanning the comebackWith relegation now confirmed, the team is embracing the opportunity to rebuild its identity.The Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), which owns FC Talanta, operates with a clear mandate: to identify, nurture, and monetise sports talent across the country.Muchiri believes that this foundational mission will be instrumental in shaping the team’s resurgence.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004628##He remains optimistic that through KAS’s structures and nationwide reach, Talanta will be able to tap into a pool of young, determined players who are hungry to prove themselves and committed to growing with the club.“Talanta is becoming a different team now. We’re going back to our roots. We’ll scout from schools, from our youth programs, players who will play for the badge, not just a paycheck.We’ve identified young players eager to join us. But it takes serious preparation, commitment, and unity from all levels—the office, the bench, and the players. We all need to be on the same page.SEASON REVIEW: Shabana rise from edge of relegation to heart of title raceWe’re aiming for direct promotion. No playoffs. Just one goal: return to the Premier League—and do it the right way,” he concluded.
