25 Aug 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars
The new signings at Nairobi City Stars for the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season

City Stars squad for the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season

August 25, 2023

A total of nine new players have joined Nairobi City Stars ahead of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season.

The nine include two goalkeepers: Julius Ombacho from Luanda Villa, and Edwin Mukolwe from Bidco United.

Also joining Simba wa Nairobi are centreback Wycliffe Omondi and defensive midfielder Brian Omondi Mzee from National Super League sides Migori Youth and Kibera Black Stars, respectively.

Experienced center-back Sosthenes Idah has also joined Nairobi City Stars. His last workstation was Polisi Tanzania.

Two wingers: Robinson Asenwa from third-tier side Vapor Sports, and teenager Gilbert Abala from lower-tier side Busia Sugar FC, are also in for the season.

Strikers Brian Mose Nyambane and Japan National Yuto Kusaba from Division Two sides Total Spurs (Narok), and FC Zenshin (Embu), correspondingly, complete the singings for the season.

Save for Abala and Wycliffe who are in on two-year deals, the new signings have been engaged for a season.

The new arrivals take up the slots vacated by keepers Jacob Osano and Stephen Njunge, defenders Salim Abdalla, Kenedy Onyango, and Herit Mungai, as well as midfielders Peter Opiyo, Anthony Kimani, and forward Ezekiel Odera.

The departures also include James Mazembe and Levis Okello who have since returned to their parent clubs KCB and Kakamega Homeboyz, respectively, following the expiry of short-term loan spells.

Contract renewals

Aside from the new signings, Nairobi City Stars confirms that twelve of the players who featured last season renewed their contracts.

Defender Timothy Muganda has extended his stay for two more seasons, while midfielders Andrew Kisilu, Clifford Ouma, Newton Ochieng, and Abuyeka Kubasu have stretched their stay for a season each.

The same applies to long-serving fullback Calvin Masawa who is now in for his 14th straight season at City Stars, and defender Edwin Buliba.

Forwards Mohammed Bajaber, Kelvin Etemesi, Pius Omachi, and Dennis Oalo, as well as flyer Samuel Kapen, all committed their stay for the new season.

Running contracts

Away from the new arrivals and renewals, keeper Elvis Ochoro, defenders Rowland Makati, and Dennis Wanjala, and midfielders: Ronney Kola, Vincent Owino, and Elvis Noor Ojiambo, all with running contracts, stayed on.

Comment from head coach Nicholas Muyoti

“We have carefully recruited this season and onboard we have a pool of promising and very exciting players,”

“They have had a good preseason and the new players are blending in very well with the rest of the lot and we are confident that we will have a vibrant season,” 

City Stars squad (& new jersey numbers) for the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season

Goalkeepers: 1. Edwin Mukolwe (Bidco United), 13. Elvis Ochoro, 23. Julius Ombacho (Luanda Villa),

Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 30. Rowland Makati, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 32. Sosthenes Idah (Polisi Tanzania), 15. Wycliffe Omondi (Migori Youth),

Midfielders: 5. Newton Ochieng, 6. Ronney Kola, 11. Andrew Kisilu, 16. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 25. Brian Omondi Mzee (Kibera Black Stars), 31. Abuyeka Kubasu,

Forwards: 3. Robinson Asenwa (Vapor Sports), 7. Pius Omachi, 9. Mohammed Bajaber, 10. Dennis Oalo, 17. Brian Mose (Total Spurs-Narok), 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 21. Yuto Kusaba (FC Zenshin-Embu), 22. Samuel Kapen, 27. Gilbert Abala (Busia Sugar FC),

Technical bench: Nicholas Muyoti – Head coach, Peter Opiyo – Assistant coach, Abel Omuhaya – Goalkeeper trainer, Arthur Museve – Trainer & Security Officer, Ronny KAgunzi – Team Manager, Brian Odongo Otieno – Team Physio, Victor Rolex Onyango – Kit Manager

26 Jun 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
Muki, City Stars
Field skipper Anthony Muki Kimani in action during an FKF Premier League matchday 29 between Nairobi City Stars and Sofapaka. It ended 1-1

Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani retires

June 26, 2023

Nairobi City Stars midfielder and field skipper Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani Njenga has retired from professional football bringing an end to an illustrious football career that lasted over 17 years.

Muki officially announced his retirement on Sun 25 June 2023 prior to the 2022-23 FKF Premier League season final between Nairobi City Stars and Gor Mahia in Kasarani Main Stadium.

He went on to earn playtime in the last ten minutes of that tie to register his 19th game this season – his 109th game in Nairobi City Stars colors across four and a half seasons – and 284th Kenyan Premier League match. In those games, Muki scored 38 goals.

Besides, he featured in 24 games in the second tier during City Stars’ promotion season, the 2019-20 National Super League (NSL), scoring three times and providing ten assists. He was named the MVP at the end of that season.

“More than often, we never know when a Kenyan player retires. Muki did the most honorable thing in stepping forward to say goodbye to what has been part of  hime for more than a decade and a half. It was the most honorable thing to do and I wish more retiring players can take his cue,” said club CEO Patrick Korir

“We thank Muki for bringing maturity and adding his vast experience to the City Stars setup isince the year 2019, and for guiding the team back to the Kenyan premier league after five seasons in the cold. He was a dedicated servant and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” added Korir

Muki first featured for City Stars – then known as World Hope – in the 2008 premier league, before moving to Sofapaka for the first leg of the 2009 season. He was back at City Stars for the second leg to gain experience before returning to Sofapaka in 2010 till the 2014 season. He then moved to Bandari in 2015 for three seasons before taking a break from the game.

Prior to 2008, Muki had featured for Dagoretti Santos, as well as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in the Nationwide (second-tier) league.

In 2019, he returned to City Stars with a mission that he had kept under wraps;

“In 2016, while at Bandari, I scored goals against City Stars that largely contributed to their relegation,”

“Being my first premier league club, I always felt obliged to return to City Stars and guide them back to where they belonged, and that is what informed my return in 2019,”

“I will forever look back and say it was mission accomplished, as the team returned to the top league in 2020,” said Muki

“We may have struggled in the just-ended season due to a transition plan, but a new set of lads who came in have shown that they have what it takes to make the club rise once again. The future of the club is in their good hands and it gives me peace and a good reason to call it a day from the pitch as I look to serve the game in a a different capacity,” he added

Incidentally, after promotion, Muki, donning the armband as captain, scored City Stars’ first top-flight goal during a historic game against Nzoia Sugar, leading Simba wa Nairobi to a memorable 2-0 win.

Other than the NSL title with City Stars in the disputed 2019/20 NSL season, and the club MVP award, Muki amassed a number of trophies across the years.

He was named the Kenyan Premier League midfielder of the year in the 2010 season while at Sofapaka, with whom he won the 2010 and 2011 Kenyan Super Cup. He was named the best midfielder at the end of the 2013 FKF President’s Cup competition.

He also won the 2015 President’s Cup while at Bandari, as well as the 2016 Kenyan Super Cup.

During the highlight of his career, Muki was called up to the Kenya National team and was capped ten times between the years 2010 and 2012.

In preparation for life after football, Muki recently started his coaching journey and completed a CAF ‘D’ coaching license Diploma.

City Stars

Anthony Kimani up against Duke Abuya of Kenya Police during a matchday 24 tie in Police Sacco Stadium on Wed 12 Apr 2023. Police won the tie 4-2

Muki, City Stars

Captains affair; Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani of City Stars vs his counterpart Dennis Odhiambo of KCB in a season-ender on Aug 22 Aug 2021 in Narok. KCB won the game 3-0

City Stars, Muki, Gor Mahia

Simba wa Nairobi skipper Anthony Muki Kimani shielding the ball off Gor Mahia’s debutant Frank Odhiambo in a round 17 clash at the Utalii grounds on Sun 16 May 2021. Gor won 1-0

Nairobi City Stars

Field skipper Anthony Muki Kimani in a past game for City Stars against Bidco United in December 2021. It ended 0-0 at Utalii grounds

25 Jun 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
City stars, Kapen
City Stars flyer Samuel Kapen up against Gor Mahia in the 34th and final premier league game in the 2022-23 season in KAsarani. Gor won it 4-1 to win the league title

MD34: Nairobi City Stars 1 Gor Mahia 4

June 25, 2023

Nairobi City Stars ended the 2022-23 FKF Premier League season with a 4-1 defeat to Gor Mahia who went on to win the league title in a game played in Kasarani Main Stadium on Sunday 25 June 2023.

The two sides went to the break tied 0-0, but within the second minute of the second half, Samuel Kapen rounded Gor’s keeper Gad Mathews after controlling a long lob from left-back Dennis Wanjala to fire into an empty net for the opener, his eighth goal of the season.

The lead lasted just three minutes after a spilled ball by the City Stars keeper was headed home by Benson Omalla.

Further goals by Peter Lwasa (62), Austin Odhiambo (79), and Alpha Onyango (89) ended the contest for Gor Mahia to hit an unassailable 70 points to reclaim the league title from Tusker. City Stars ended the season on 34 points and in 15th spot.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge, 12. Edwin Buliba, 25. Kenedy Onyango-captain, 5. Timothy Muganda, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 18. Clifford Ouma (21. James Mazembe-72), 19. Vincent Owino, 9. Dennis Oalo (15. Newton Ochieng-59), 11. Andrew Kisilu (29. Levis Okello-72), 22. Samuel Kapen (30. Anthony Kimani-81), 20. Kelvin Etemesi (31. Mohammed Bajaber-81)

*Anthony Kimani – Retired from football

Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 6. Ronney Kola, 8. Calvin Masawa, 14. Rowland Makati, 16. Jacob Osano

Out: 4. Salim Abdallah, 7. Pius Omachi, 10. Peter Opiyo, 17. Abuyeka Kubasu, 32. Ezekiel Odera

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Gor Mahia: 16. Gad Mathews, 26. Philemon Otieno-captain, 3. Dennis Ng’ang’a, 6. Emery Bayisenge (4. Joshua Onyango-90+), 2. Geoffrey Ochieng, 20. Ernest Wendo, 18. Shafik Kagimu (8. Alpha Onyango-60), 10. Peter Lwasa (9. Patrick Kaddu-68), 7. Austin Odhiambo, 27. Boniface Omondi (11. John Macharia-90+), 22. Benson Omalla (5. George Odhiambo-90+)

Unused subs: 29. Caleb Omondi, 15. Sylvester Owino, 50. Paul Ochuoga, 21. Sydney Ochieng,

Coach: Johnathan McKinstry

Goals
Nairobi City Stars: 22. Samuel Kapen (47)
Gor Mahia: 22. Benson Omalla (50), Peter Lwasa (62), Austin Odhiambo (79), and Alpha Onyango (89)

Cautions
Nairobi City Stars: 25. Kenedy Onyango (77)
Gor Mahia:

25 Jun 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
Vincent Owino, City Stars
Vincent Owino in action against Nzoia Sugar on Sat 3 June 2023 during a 32nd round FKF Premier League tie

Full squad for season-ender against Gor Mahia

June 25, 2023

Nairobi City Stars technical bench has named all 24 fit and available players for the 34th and final FKF Premier League game this season against Gor Mahia in Kasarani Main Stadium starting at 3 pm.

There will be four additions to the 20-man squad that faced FC Talanta in the penultimate game of the season on Tuesday 20 June 2023 in Kasarani Annex.

Keeper Jacob Osano, defender Herit Mungai, as well as midfielders Vincent Owino and Abuyeka Kubasu, are all in for the high stake game.

Squad to face Gor Mahia

Goal Keepers: 1. Elvis Ochoro, 16. Jacob Osano, 23. Stephen Njunge

Defenders: 5. Timothy Muganda, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 14. Rowland Makati, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 28. Herit Mungai,

Midfielders: 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 6. Ronney Kola, 11. Andrew Kisilu, 15. Newton Ochieng, 17. Abuyeka Kubasu, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 21. James Mazembe, 30. Anthony Kimani, 31. Mohammed Bajaber

Strikers: 9. Dennis Oalo, 22. Samuel Kapen, 29. Levis Okello

Out: 4. Salim Abdallah, 7. Pius Omachi, 10. Peter Opiyo, 32. Ezekiel Odera

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

25 Jun 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
Rowland Makati against George Odhiambo of Gor Mahia in a matchday 14 FKF Premier League tie on 4 Feb 2023 in Kasarani
Rowland Makati against George Odhiambo of Gor Mahia in a matchday 14 FKF Premier League tie on 4 Feb 2023 in Kasarani

Head-to-head: Nairobi City Stars (H) vs Gor Mahia (A): 2022/23 FKF Premier League season

June 25, 2023

Nairobi City Stars will host Gor Mahia in Kasarani Main Stadium on Sunday 25 June 2023 starting at 3 pm during a very high stake 34th and final game in the 2022-23 FKF Premier League schedule.

High stake in the sense that the upcoming game is a title decider. Gor Mahia comes to the game as the table leader in the 18-team league with 67 points, one ahead of defending champions Tusker.

They have to match the results of their foe who will be playing away to Vihiga Bullets in Mumias on the same day.

In the Sunday game, it will be match number 28 in the Kenyan top-flight between City Stars and Gor Mahia since the 2005/6 premier league season. It will be the 14th game for City Stars as the home team against Gor Mahia.

The game comes 13 months after the two last faced off at the same venue, in which City Stars played as hosts. Gor came from behind on two occasions to win it 3-2.

From the previous 13 home games, City Stars has a single win over Gor Mahia. In June 2006, then known as World Hope, the team ‘beat’ Gor – who never turned up for a 36th round tie in Nyayo Stadium in the 2005-6 season. It was a walkover.

From the other 12 games, City Stars has managed six draws and lost the other six. In the 13 home games, Gor Mahia has outscored Simba wa Nairobi 22 goals to eleven.

City Stars has previously hosted Gor Mahia three times in season enders: at the end of the 2006/7, 2008, and 2010 seasons.

On 17th Nov 2007, in the final game of the 2006/7 season, City Stars, coached by Robert Matano, held Gor Mahia to a 2-2 draw at the Hope Centre. Justus Basweti and Dennis Wise Okoth scored for the home team as Gor grabbed a share of the spoils with a brace from Bramwell Karamoja.

On 22 Nov 2008, in the final game of the 2008 season, City Stars, coached by legend John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, held Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw at the Hope Centre. Francis Thairu scored for the hosts with Zablon Otieno scoring for the visitors.

In the final game of the 2010 season, played in City Stadium, City Stars, coached by Ken Odhiambo, held Gor Mahia to a 0-0 draw.

As is the case in the upcoming game, the 2010 tie had a bearing on who takes home the league title. But Ulinzi Stars beat Gor Mahia to it with a 3-0 win over Karuturi Sports at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Ahead to the upcoming game, City Stars parades a 2-2 draw earned in their penultimate season game against FC Talanta, as Gor Mahia is reeling from a 3-2 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz.

Simba wa Nairobi coach Nicholas Muyoti will once again be up against his counterpart on the Gor side Johnathan McKinstry who was behind the 1-0 win during the corresponding first-leg match at the same venue.

City Stars sits 15th on the log with 34 points while Gor Mahia is top of the charts with 67 points.

Who wins this one?

Summary

City Stars home games vs Gor: 13–Wins (1), Draws (6), Loses (6)

11-Jun-06; World Hope vs Gor Mahia, 2-0 (W-walkover)
17-Nov-07; World Hope vs Gor Mahia, 2-2 (D)*
22-Nov-08; World Hope vs Gor Mahia, 1-1 (D)*
16-Aug-09; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-1 (L)
14-Nov-10; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-0 (D)*
2-Nov-11; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-1 (L)
21-Jul-12; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-4 (L)
4-Aug-13; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-0 (D)
4-Oct-14; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 1-4 (L)
15-Apr-15; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 0-3 (L)
12-Mar-16; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 2-2 (D)
17-Jul-21; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 1-1 (D)
29-May-22; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, 2-3 (L)
25-Jun-23; City Stars vs Gor Mahia, ??*

*season enders

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