Former Gor Mahia and Sofapaka FC Assistant Coach Frank Ouna guided Wazito FC into the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), finishing the 2017 National Super League (NSL) second on the log with 80 points, level on points with champions Vihiga United.
The tactician says KPL is a different ball game together and he expects a tougher challenge.
“We worked very hard to achieve promotion and I am definitely happy to be back this time as a head coach. However, celebration is over and we now have to work even harder – KPL is tough,” he told KPL,
“This being our debut season in the KPL our main goal will be to survive. Our preseason is proceeding well and I am optimistic we will have a great season in the top-tier,” he added.
Departures
The team has however been hit with departures of some key players who played a huge role in the promotion fight. Reuben Onsando is out nursing a knee injury, Dickson Ihaji has retired from football, Kennedy Okanda has also requested to focus on his work while the trio of Anthony Gathu, Dennis Gicheru and Austin Ochieng, who were on loan from Posta Rangers have moved to KCB FC.
Ouna is optimistic on getting able replacements; “We have lost very key players and its sad to see them leaving just after achieving what we have been fighting for all along but life has to go on. We have scouted for very good players and we are in touch with their respective clubs. They will fill in the void left,” he said.
The team has also released five players; Bob Mugalia, Cresten Mwanzo, Reuben Munyao, Paul Karuri and John Mabia and brought on board several players including former Gor Mahia and Posta Rangers midfielder Moses Otieno, former Tusker FC striker Kenneth Wendo and immediate former AFC Leopards duo Harun Nyakha and Ibrahim Mao.
