Nairobi City Stars wishes to announce the arrival of left back Timothy Balton Omwenga from Tanzania’s Premiership side Biashara United Mara.
The former Nzoia United, Kariobangi Sharks and KCB left channel operator joins Simba wa Nairobi for one and a half seasons.
The five-foot-six left footer, capped twice for Kenya, and four times for Kenya U23 team, was philosophical upon his arrival;
“It’s an honor to be part of Nairobi City Stars. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a progress. Working together is success,”
“Together as a team with good effort we will get good results.”
Speaking on his capture, head coach Sanjin Alagic stated;
“Balton has rare qualities as a player and has very good experience. I have no doubt he will be of great value to City Stars.” said Sanjin
Omwenga adds on to City Stars left foot department that also has Herit Mungai Atariza, Wesley Onguso, John Kamau and fullback utility Calvin Masawa, the team’s overall skipper. He will don jersey no. 17
His International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has already been issued by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and its only a matter of time before he makes his debut for Simba wa Nairobi.
Balton Omwenga in Nairobi City Stars colors during a friendly against Kibra United on Wed 3 Feb 2021. He’s joined the club permanently from Tanzania’s Biashara United
Corona Virus. It’s the one thing that characterized Nairobi City Stars Super League season in 2020.
The novel pandemic leapt out the woods into our lives and before we could understand it, we were operating in a lockdown.
For a few months we all had to stay indoors, quarantined, and when we ventured outside under strict curfews, we had to be masked.
Despite having a stellar season, Nairobi City Stars was not spared by the virus, as, from mid-March, all footballing activities in the country froze.
It their fourth stab at promotion, Simba wa Nairobi had done all they needed to do and 28 rounds into a 38-game season, the team had scooped 64 points and carried a ten-point buffer over second placed Bidco United.
With a clear view of the premier league, the team look forward to that one game they would win to be declared promoted, and the 2019/20 super league champions.
But that day never came. Neither did the coronation.
For when the games finally resumed in November, some eight months later, there was no looking back. It was picking up from where the ball had stopped.
The year began with the chase for promotion and ended with five games into the top flight league.
Though curtailed near the last mile, City Stars season’s objective was duly met in spite of the pandemic.
To sum Simba wa Nairobi‘s year, here’s a blow by blow account of the 2020 year gone.
January
7th – Peter Opiyo, Ezekiel Odera, Azizi Okaka, Tedian Esilaba and keeper Jacob Osano join the City Stars stable
11th – Simba wa Nairobi starts second leg on a high with an unprecedented 1-0 win away to Shabana in Kisii. Stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla scored the lone goal as Jimmy Bageya was named MVP. Azizi Okaka made his debut for City Stars in the second half.
18th – Goals on either half by Oliver Maloba (named MVP) and the returning Ezekiel Odera handed Nairobi City Stars a 2-0 win over visiting Vihiga Bullets in a round 21 National Super League (NSL) tie played at Camp Toyoyo, Jericho
26th – A lone Davis Agesa lone striker, off Oliver Maloba’s cross, topped up with a late Levis Lovae Opiyo penalty save, confirmed a 1-0 over hosts Vihiga United in Mumias to end the month on a high. Levis was named MVP as his sibling Peter Opiyo made his debut.
City Stars vs Vihiga Bullets at Camp Toyoyo on Sat 18 Jan 2020. They won 2-0
February
2nd – City Stars wipe out Eric Gichimu’s first half goal to see off title challengers Bidco United 2-1 at Camp Toyoyo to complete a season double. Anthony Muki Kimani and Jimmy Bageya scored the goals. Agesa was named MVP
8th – A four game winning streak brought to a rude end after a shock 3-1 loss to Coast Stima at Camp Toyoyo. Rogers Okumu, Erick Ombija and Kassim Mohammed scored for the visitors as Shitu found a consolation for the hosts. Anthony Kimani was named MVP
29th – Two penalties by Peter Opiyo and Ezekiel Odera cancelled out another penalty by David Oluoch for City Stars to outwit Kenya Police 2-1 at Toyoyo to complete a season double. Opiyo was named MVP
March
8th – City Stars starts the month with a 2-1 win over AP Bomet in Kericho. Odera forced an own goal and scored a beauty in the early minutes of the game. Keeper Jacob Osano made his debut for suspended Levis Opiyo. For a second straight game Peter Opiyo was named MVP
14th – Lead striker Ebrima Sanneh comes of the bench to power home a fine late header for City Stars to take down a tough Nairobi Stima 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo in a round 28 clash. It confirmed yet another season double as Simba wa Nairobi hit the 64-point mark to shoot ten points clear. Shitu was named MVP.
The game was played behind closed doors following the announcement by Government of the first Corona Virus victim in the country the day before. The game turned out to be the last of the season as all sporting activities were suspended after that weekend
24th – Due to Corona Virus lockdown, players put on ‘work from home’ programme to the end of April
Ezekiel Odera vs AP Bomet in Kericho on Sun 8 Mar 2020
April – August
With no football in the foreseeable future due to Corona virus, City Stars players and staff recoiled to ambassadorship and caregiving roles at the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JFF) to partake in regular community service.
Distribution of food hampers to the vulnerable families in Kibera and Deep Sea in Parklands (April, May and June) and in #JengaJirani initiatives in July and August kept the players and team officials busy.
In the midst of all the activities, it was confirmed, on 1st May, that Nairobi City Stars – and Bidco United – were promoted once the Federation realized the Corona Virus pandemic was here to stay.
City Stars DM Charles Otieno Oduro doing distribution work in Kibera on Thur 16 Jul 2020 during the #JengaJirani drive
July
Keeper Levis Opiyo, defenders Kevin Okumu and Tedian Esilaba, midfielders David Gateri, Eric Ochieng and keeper Ronny Kagunzi all leave the club at expiry of their contracts.
Eric Ochieng, Noah Abich, Tedian Atuto, Levis Opiyo
August
7th – Teenage midfielder Timothy Babu Ouma from Laiser Hill Academy joined Simba wa Nairobi on a long term deal becoming the first off season signing. At the time of signing he was the reigning Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Rift Valley MVP.
19th – Offensive midfielder Rowland Babu Makati, 19, joined Nairobi City Stars on a long term deal from Vapor Sports, a club that signed him from local club Escalators of Gatina.
Rowland Makati with team coordinator Samson Otieno on his unveiling at City Stars on Tue 18 Aug 2020
September
1st – Defensive midfielder Ronney Kola Oyaro, 20, made a big leap from lower tier side Kenya School of Government (KSG) to sign a long term deal at City Stars.
3rd – Teenage keeper Elvis Ochieng Ochoro, 18, who spent his formative football years at Makadara Junior League, joined from regional league side Hakati Sportiff.
4th – Striker Erick Ombija, 25, joined Nairobi City Stars from champions Gor Mahia on a two-year deal to becoming the fifth arrival in the current transfer window
7th – Defensive mid Sven Yidah arrives from Kariobangi Sharks on a two-year deal
28th – After close to seven months of no football, team starts low key training at Hope Centre and Camp Toyoyo
Sven Yidah with Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir during his unveiling on Mon 7 Sep 2020
October
8th – Head coach Sanjin arrives back in the country accompanied by assistant coach Nihad Nalbantic to prepare for the Premier League season. Team shifts training to Ligi Ndogo
15th – Dead ball specialist Noah Abich officially announces his retirement as a footballer. He joins City Stars bench as an apprentice assistant coach.
24th – Ligi Ndogo offers first preseason test at their backyard. They fall fall 4-0 from goals from Ebrima Sanneh, a brace from Davis Agesa and Charles Otieno
31st – First major preseason friendly against Kariobangi Sharks ends even at 1-1 at Utalii grounds. New signing Rogers Okumu scores first before Peter Lwasa equalized. Striker Ebrima Sanneh suffered a long term injury in the game.
Timothy Ouma of City Stars challenging for the ball against a Sharks player during a friendly at Utalii on Sat 31 Oct 2020
November
2nd – Left back Herit Mungai completes his arrival to City Stars — the last signing – after impressing in the Sharks friendly. His last station was Coast Stima
7th – Hosts Bidco rallied to hold City Stars at Thika Stadium in a preseason friendly. Anthony Muki Kimani’s first half penalty was cancelled out by Anthony Gathu’s long range shot in the next half
11th – Mixed results for City Stars at PSC as the main team goes down 1-0 to KCB, while the second team romps 6-0 past Kibera Select Interbase. Eric Ombija missed a penalty but still came out with a brace as Ezekiel Odera registered a treble.
Davis Agesa on the ball as Peter Opiyo looks on during a friendly against Mt. Kenya United on Sat 14 Nov 2020. It ended 1-1
13th – New signings Ronny Kola and Rowland Makati head to NSL side Nairobi Stima for half-season loan
15th – Tevin Opondo levels matters in the second half to cancel out a first half goal by Erick Ombija as second tier side Mt. Kenya holds City Stars to a 1-1 draw at Dagoretti High School.
21st – Mixed results posted at the Jamhuri Showground as City Stars falls 1-0 to Posta Rangers before letting go a 1-0 half time lead to tie Gor Mahia 1-1
29th – Team registers a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar in their Premier League opener at the Narok Stadium. It was a historic clash on many fronts as 12 players making their Premier League debut for City Stars on the day, head coach Sanjin Alagic made his top flight bow, and was the first top tier game for City Stars since 19 November 2016. Salim Abdalla was named MVP as keeper Steve Njunge – who saved a penalty – and Muki made it to the team of the week. Maloba and Agesa made the reserve team
Oliver Maloba celebrates his goal, the second for City Stars in the season opening 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar FC at Narok Stadium on Sun 29 Nov 2020
December
4th – A lone goal in the 43rd minute by Henry Onyango proved the difference as KCB registered a 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars in a second round Premier League game played at Kasarani’s outer pitch on Friday 4th December 2020.
On the morning of the game, City Stars family went into mourning following the shock demise of long serving TM Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo
11th – Simba wa Nairobi hit visiting Bandari FC 2-0 in a third round Premier League game played at Kasarani to bounce back to winning ways. Njunge and Shitu made the team of the week
Skipper Anthony Muki Kimani, off an assist by Jimmy Bageya, and an own goal by the opposite skipper Bernard Odhiambo off a Davis Agesa cross ball, in the 60th and 68th minutes respectively, delivered the second win in three games. Njunge was named MVP
12th – On loan Rowland Makati came off the bench to score and provide assist to help Nairobi Stima salvage a 2-2 draw against promoted Soy United in Thika in an NSL season opener
17th – Nairobi City Stars posted their first draw of the season after holding hosts Bidco United 0-0 in a fourth round FKF Premier League game played at Utalii grounds. It was a third clean sheet for the team
Keeper Steve Njunge gets the thumps up after saving a penalty against Nzoia Sugar in a season opener on Sun 29 Nov 2020 in Narok. He was named MVP on Fri 11 Dec 2020 after a 2-0 win over Bandari
19th – TM Pudo laid to rest in Yala, Nyanza
Full game for Ronney Kola and second half appearance for Rowland Makati as Nairobi Stima draws AP Bomet in the NSL in Bomet
21st – Amidst pomp and color, the club fetes all its players and technical bench from the past season for promoting the club. Muki named 2019/20 season MVP
23rd – City Stars forced to come from behind to tie Vihiga United 1-1 at Utalii grounds in a fifth Premier League clash. Sven Yidah’s first goal, a header, for the club in the 48th minute cancelled out David Simiyu’s 43rd minute header. Sven was named in the league’s team of the week
28th – Team resumes training after four days of a short holiday to prepare for premier league resumption in early January
On Wednesday 23 December 2020, allegations were made against head coach Sanjin Alagic that he had made certain racial comments towards Vihiga United players during a fifth-round match held at the Utalii Grounds from 1pm.
The grave allegations were made on social media after which it was picked by an international portal which spurned the falsehood like wildfire thereby maligning the reputation of the coach, and Nairobi City Stars in sum.
But three players; midfielder Peter Pinchez Opiyo, defender Calvin Masawa and striker Ezekiel Omulo Odera, on behalf of the rest, have come out to clear the coaches’ name in the wake of the sensitive allegations.
Pinchez, who joined Simba wa Nairobi in January 2020 ending six years of playing in Qatar and Finland put forward a strong statement in the wake of the recent occurrence.
“I’ve been for many times a victim of racial abuse, so as a black person I know how it feels, and I wouldn’t want any one from any race to be subjected to such a sick situation. Therefore, I would be the first one to condemn such utterances, if there were any,”
“Allegations made against our Coach Mr. Sanjin, are very serious and having been there, and heard every single word from him, I must say it’s very uncouth for any person to implicate anyone on such grounds, having in mind how serious this type allegation is treated in our society now,”
“I was very saddened also by bloggers and football lovers, who resorted to writing things, they were not sure of, on different platforms on social media. They were not at the stadium, and when you ask them where they got such material, they say they were told. Very irresponsible!
“There are channels to be followed when such things arise, leave them for the legal teams, don’t go jumping into conclusions because a white man is involved.” Concluded Opiyo
Overall team captain Calvin Masawa, the longest serving City Stars player (since 2011), echoed Peter’s sentiments.
Masawa started off the bench and made his way to the pitch six minutes after the hour mark in place of left back Herit Mungai.
At half time he had a spat with Vihiga United players over the allegations and had to be pulled away by one of the match officials.
This is what he had to say;
“Hello guys, I hope this finds you well. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new year. I’m Calvins Masawa, captain Nairobi City Stars FC,”
“Following the allegations made by Vihiga United players that our head Coach Mr Sanjin Alagic made some racial slur towards them during our match against them at Utalii grounds on Wednesday 23rd, I’m stating categorically that the said statement is baseless, ill-advised and did not happen since I happened to be just yards away from the scene at half time,”
“In addition to this, I still want to show that it is important that we speak. I am sober, confident and honest enough to say such did not happen and will never happen,”
“We as Nairobi City Stars fc Players DO NOT ENCOURAGE racist remarks or discrimination of any nature because we believe in equality and fair play regardless of race, nationality or even ethnicity,”
“Mr Sanjin is always a very social, humble and one easy guy who always socialize and interact with every player(s) and at times as far as the soccer fans, that’s according to the one and a half years we have worked with him. He has never been anything but kind and professional with all of us,”
“So to make such damaging and alleging claims against him is kind of lack of respect to him, his family and the entire Nairobi City Stars family,”
“Lastly I’m urging everyone to stay calm, sober and stop judging or politicizing since racism is a very sensitive issue and should not be raised in such a carefree manner,”
“I hope that the publications who were quick to sensationalize the story, and individuals that were quick to run with the same in their own social media pages, will also be as quick in spreading news of our statement of support, as well as the retraction and apology by Goal.” Concluded Masawa
Odera, who returned City Stars in January for a second stint since 2017, said;
“It has come to my attention that it is alleged that our coach racially insulted Vihiga United players. It is my responsibility as a senior player to voice my sentiments to this critical issue
of racism/insults/harassment. The beautiful game is about love, inclusivity, passion, togetherness,”
“It is very unfortunate because I was actively involved in that match and it is frivolous and damaging for Vihiga United management to bring such accusations against our coach and play with the media over such serious allegations,”
Coach Sanjin Allagic is a very passionate, self driven and sober minded person. He has managed me and other players and its unfortunate for purposes of gaining media sympathy a person would want to damage his good reputation,”
“Kindly let us be impartial and truthful when handling this issue. Our beautiful has come a long way and let’s continue building on the gains achieved. Merry Xmas and a Happy/prosperous New year.” summed Odera
Several other City Stars players have commented on the same in their individual social media pages.
Nairobi City Stars will navigate the first leg of the 2020-21 FKF premier league season with a total of 29 players: three (3) goal keepers, nine (9) defenders, 12 midfielders, and five (5) strikers.
Two players; – Makati and Kola – will however head out on loan at second tier side Nairobi Stima to seek work experience over the season.
Last season’s captain Noah Abich, who has since retired from playing, drops to the bench to become an apprentice to coach Sanjin joining former City Stars players John Amboko and Arthur Museve.
Full 2020/21 Squad & jersey numbers
Goal keepers: 1. Elvis Ochoro, 16. Jacob Osano, 23. Stephen Njunge
Midfielders: 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 3. Charles Otieno, 6. Ronny Kola, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 10. Peter Opiyo, 14. Rowland Makati, 18. Sven Yidah, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 20. Timothy Ouma, 21. Oliver Maloba, 27. Azizi Okaka, 30. Anthony Kimani,
Strikers: 9. Vincent Otieno, 11. Davis Agesa, 24. Erick Ombija, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 32. Ezekiel Odera,
Technical Bench:
Head coach – Sanjin Alagic, Assistant head coach – Nihad Nalbantic, First assistant coach – John Amboko, Second assistant coach – Noah Abich, Goalkeeper coach – Zachary Onyango, Team manager – Neville Pudo, Trainer – Arthur Museve, Team Physio – Brian Odongo, Kit Manager – Joseph Andere
Left channel operator Herit Mungai Atariza is the last new face at Nairobi City Stars in this transfer window after joining on a one-season deal.
Mungai, at home as a left back as well as left wing, was last in the ranks of Nationwide side Coast Stima.
On receiving Herit, team coordinator Samson Otieno said;
“Herit hands the coach good options on the left both at the back and further up. He is a quality player and on behalf of City Stars we welcome him on board,”
“With his arrival, City Stars has officially closed transfer activities in the current window.” confirmed Otieno
On his part Herit, a former Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers and Kibera Black Stars player made a brief comment;
“It feels great to join City Stars as the club has been my dream team since I was a young lad.”
Herit will don jersey no. 28 at Simba wa Nairobi.
Apart from Herit, other new arrivals during the ended transfer window includes midfielders Rowland Makati (Vapor Sports), Ronney Kola Oyaro (Kenya School of Gov’t) and Timothy Ouma (Laiser Hill).
Others are defenders Kenedy Onyango (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa (Proline FC – Uganda), goal keepers Steve Njunge Ndungu (Wazito FC) and Elvis Ochoro (Hakati Sportiff).
Herit Mungai unveiled at Nairobi City StarsHerit Mungai unveiled at Nairobi City Stars by club CEO Patrick KorirHerit Mungai at Nairobi City Stars
