06 Sep 2019
NCS Permalink

Five changes as City Stars head for Vihiga duel

September 6, 2019

Head coach Sanjin Alagic from Bosnia has made named his pride for the second round National Super League (NSL) clash of the season – the first away game – set for Sunday 8 September, 2019 at Bukhungu Stadium against newly promoted Vihiga Bullets.
Oliver Maloba who was ruled out of the season opener against Shabana at Hope centre claims a place in the 18-team squad after recovering from a knock. He is expected to start off the bench.
Newly acquired teenager Vincent Otieno Okoth aka Jamaica from Hakati Sportiff also makes the squad after being cleared by the Federation following his transfer from the lower tier side. The 16 and a half year old will give Sanjin an option in attack and is expected to make his debut, albeit late in the game.
Defensive midfielder Charles Chale Otieno also breaks in to the team to take up the place of Eric Cantona Ochieng who go a knock in training.
Also in is big unit Wycliffe Wiki Otieno as a centre back cover. He was picked ahead of Augustine Agusto Ochieng for this game.
Peter Wine Wainaina, a utility midfielder, added to the new list to bring options to the mid of the pack.
Left back Wesley Onguso, wingers Heritier Luvualu and Stephen Mweni – who made his debut last weekend – are the other players who named for the Shabana game that will miss out on the trip. 13 others including skipper Calvins Masawa were retained.
The team departs early Saturday morning from Nairobi heading to Western Kenya.

Travelling party

Levis Opiyo, Ronny Kagunzi (goal keepers), Wycliffe Otieno, Salim Abdalla, Calvins Masawa (captain), Noah Abich, Kevin Okumu, Cornelius Mwangi (defenders), Charles Otieno, Peter Wainaina, Oliver Maloba, Jimmy Bageya, Nahashon Thiongo, Anthony Muki Kimani, Elvis Ojiambo, (midfielders), Vincent Otieno, Ebrima Sanneh, Davis Agesa (strikers)

Technical bench

Sanjin Alagic (Head coach), Tiellen Oguta, John Amboko (assistant coaches), Dennis Mugisha (Physio), Winnie Nyasiri (Photographer), Samson Otieno (team coordinator), Neville Pudo (team manager), Arthur Museve (trainer)

02 Sep 2019
NCS, Team News Permalink

Winning start for City Stars

September 2, 2019

Nairobi City Stars had a dream start to the 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) season after dispatching visiting Shabana 2-0 at the Hope Centre, Kawangware on Sunday 1 September, 2019. 

A goal on either half by Ebrimah Sanneh and Jimmy Bageya handed new coach Sanjin Alagic from Sarajevo, Bosnia the perfect start. 

Sanneh started it all with a traditional header after getting to the end of a free kick from Anthony Muki Kimani for the opening goal in the eighth minute. Jimmy Bageya was felled from 25 yards out for the free kick.

Ten minutes into the second half Bageya, playing on the left wing, got to the end of a free flowing move from Muki to double the lead. 

Davis Agesa from the edge of the box squared a pass to Muki who then cut in for Bageya to finish the job with a one timed rising shot past the Shabana keeper.

Sanjin’s lineup for the day saw eight of 12 new players feature in the game, six of them making their debut. Keeper Levis Lovae Opiyo, a former Thika United, Posta Rangers, Western Stima and Mathare United keeper started in goal. 

Salim Shitu Abdalla and Cornelius Mwangi, in from AFC Leopards and Modern Coast Rangers, respectively, were the centre back pairing as Eric Cantona Ochieng, a former Red Berets, Bandari, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia and Wazito player took his place as defensive midfielder. 

Former JMJ Academy player Nahashon Thiosh Thiong’o who was signed from Mt. Kenya United started on the right wing but paved way for another new signing Elvis Elvo Ojiambo from Kibera Blackstars at the onset of the second half due to an ankle injury. 

Returning Anthony Muki Kimani earned a start, for his first game for City Stars in ten years, alongside Jimmy Bageya who last featured for the side in early 2018. 

Muki left City Stars at the end of 2009 to join Sofapaka but made a grand return to the team after a two year layoff since leaving Bandari in 2017. 

Stephen Mweni, signed from Modern Coast Rangers, also made his debut after coming on as a late second half substitute for Muki. 

Long serving Calvins Masawa, with the club since 2011, skippered the team while playing as left fullback. Kevin Chumsy Okumu played on the opposite side as Davis Agesa started behind striker Ebrima Sanneh. 

Starting lineup

23. Levis Opiyo, 8. Calvins Masawa (Captain), 4. Salim Abdala, 24. Cornelius Mwangi, 28. Kevin Okumu, 13. Eric Ochieng, 30. Anthony Kimani (18. Stephen Mweni), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 10. Nahashon Thiong’o (2. Elvis Ojiambo), 11. Davis Agesa (7. Heritier Luvualu), 26. Ebrima Sanneh 

Unused subs; 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 17. Noah Abich, 5. Wesley Onguso, 6. Austin Ochieng

Yellow cards; Levis Opiyo, Ebrima Sanneh, Jimmy Bageya, Elvis Ojiambo

Goals; Ebrima Sanneh – 8th minute (Anthony Kimani assists – free kick), Jimmy Bageya – 53rd (Assist Anthony Kimani)

MVP: Ebrima Sanneh

01 Sep 2019
NCS, Team News Permalink

Former City Stars players join Premier League clubs

September 1, 2019

At least four former Nairobi City Stars players found new clubs as the transfer window closed on 1st September, 2019. 

Utility Idd Shikanda is a confirmed signing for Premier League side Chemelil Sugar, and is one of the 16 player joining coach Francis Baraza’s side for the new season. 

Defender Derrick Wafula joined 2009 Premier League champions Sofapaka as one of eleven new arrivals. 

Keeper Evans Liseche has joined second tier side Fortune Sacco and defensive midfielder Innocent Babu has moved over to Mt. Kenya United, a team relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. 

The four players helped City Stars survive relegation at the end of the 2018/19 season but all left to pursue other interests.

31 Aug 2019
NCS, Team News Permalink

‘Jamaica’, ‘DC’ to sit out opener

August 31, 2019

Newly acquired Hakati Sportiff striker Vincent Otieno Okoth aka Jamaica, 16, as well as keeper Vincent ‘DC’ Khatili, 17, will sit out the opening 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) game against Shabana at the Hope Centre on Sunday 1 September, 2019 as their player cards are yet to be released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). 

The two Vincent’s are yet to be cleared in the FIFA system following late entry of consent letters. 

“FIFA has stringent measures when it comes to minors and we have to respect that. We expect the two to present parental consent letters on Monday after which we will complete the process. Once done they should be able to receive playing cards for the season.” Said club CEO Patrick Korir

With ‘DC’ unavailable, head coach Sanjin Alagic from Sarajevo, Bosnia will have two keepers to work work with; Levis Opiyo and Ronny Kagunzi. 

With apprentice Jamaica unavailable, Ebrima Sanneh, Jimmy Bageya and Davis Agesa will be his striking options.

30 Aug 2019
NCS, Team News Permalink

Maloba, Gateri ruled out of season opener

August 30, 2019

New Coach Sanjin Alagic will kick off the 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) season without two key players David Gateri and Oliver Maloba as City Stars prepare to host Shabana at the Hope Centre on Sunday 1 September, 2019.

Gateri suffered a back injury in the team’s last preseason friendly at Moi Stadium, Kisumu against Western Stima on Wednesday 21 August, 2019 and is yet to fully recover while Maloba picked an injury on Friday 30 August, 2019 as the team drilled for the upcoming game.

“Gateri back is still a problem and will have to sit out for another two to three weeks to fully recover. He will be given specialized attention during this period,” said Coach Sanjin

“For Maloba he aggravated his ankle in training and will miss the weekend game. We expect him back for the next game next weekend.” He added

With Gateri out Heritier and Jimmy Bageya will contest a place on the left wing as Davis Agesa and Nahashon Thiong’o go for the right wing where Maloba has been featuring in during pre-season games.

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