Ten KPL top players currently free agents
As the Kenyan Premier League teams bolster their squads before the start of the 2020/21 season, we look at some of the top players whose contracts have run out. Interestingly, most of these players have been an integral part of their teams’ success and clubs that will land their services will benefit immensely, writes Charles Thuku
John Oyemba - Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper
Considered one of the safest pair of hands in the KPL, Oyemba is as free as air after seeing out his contract with the Sharks.
Oyemba burst into the limelight in 2017 when Sharks were promoted to KPL, where he kept one of the longest cleanest sheets in his maiden season.
The same year, his heroics earned him the recognition of the year by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) who considered him one of the most promising shot-stoppers in the country.
Musa Masika - Wazito striker
Masika, a younger brother of Harambee Stars midfielder Ayub Timbe, has left many suitors drooling for his services after his undertaking with Wazito officially ended. 
Masika joined Wazito in 2017 from Kangemi All Stars in an undisclosed fee during which time the former team was playing in the National Super League (NSL).
A striker who has an eye for goal, Masika has had numerous unsuccessful trials in foreign countries outside the country most notably Portugal and Belgium.
Roy Okal - Mathare United midfielder.
The creative midfielder and dead ball specialist landed at Sofapaka camp last week for free.
Okal’s first stop after completing secondary school was Ushuru and it was not long before he was enticed by Mathare.
He scored his maiden goal in a Mathare shirt in 2018 in a 1-1 draw with Zoo Kericho.
Micheal Kibwage - KCB defender
The Mukumu Boys High School alumnus is expected to part ways with the Bankers after the expiry of his contract.
He is considered one of the best centre-backs in the country with his composure on the ball and leadership skills unrivaled.
Kibwage made his debut in the KPL in 2017 when he joined AFC Leopards in a match against Tusker and he went ahead to make 47 appearances for Ingwe, besides winning the Shield Cup with the team the same year.
George Maelo - Sofapaka defender
The towering right back, who is aninspector in the General Service Unit, has left Batoto Ba Mungu’s fans guessing his next move since he is a free agent.
He joined Nzoia Sugar straight from Four Four at Chesamisi High School before the team was disbanded. Nzoia would later be revived a few years.
Maelo joined Red Berets for a few months as a civilian and after impressing he was employed as a policeman.
He then joined a non-military team (Sofapaka) on his own volition and has captained the team for two years.
Charles Momanyi - Gor Mahia defender
The former Kakamega Homeboyz player has received offers from three teams but has not yet made up his mind.
The 26-year-old, who is powerful in the air, joined K’Ogalo in December 2017 and signed a three-year contract.
Momanyi is not sure whether he will continue playing for the league champions or not , especially given the financial crunch bedeviling the team.
Teddy Osok - Wazito midfielder
The under-23 national team, Emerging Stars, midfielder was dearly missed by Sofapaka whom he left to join Wazito’s ranks in 2018 on a one and half year old deal.
Wazito were then in a restructuring process after they were relegated to the NSL from KPL.
Osok, who has also had a stint at Gor Mahia, was the sole player from NSL then to be included in the senior national team, Harambee Stars, by coach Sebastien Migne to prepare for CHAN qualifier against Burundi, Olympic qualifier against Sudan and the final 2019 Afcon qualifier against Ghana.
Kenneth Muguna - Gor Mahia midfielder
Although Muguna has seen his contract elapse at the multiple champions where he is the captain, he is optimistic of talks that would see him extend his stay at the club. 
The former Western Stima midfielder is, however, among players who have attracted interest from various foreign sides among them Tout Puissant (TP) Mazembe and Motema Pembe both from Democratic Republic of Congo and Petro Atletico of Angola.
David Owino Ambulu ‘Messi’ - Mathare United defender
He is among the dazzling left backs in the KPL and was first deployed as offensive midfielder when he joined the big time league.
Brought up in Gatwekera, Kibra, Ambulu was signed by Mathare in January 2017 directly from high school.
He signed a four-year contract that entailed two years to train with the team and two years of playing time that has since lapsed.
Andrew Juma - Mathare defender
Juma has been the pillar of Mathare defence and his absence will be felt.
A player who reads the game well, he partnered successfully with Harun Junior in the team and his turning point was when he was adjudged one of the top five defenders in the 2019/2020 season.
He joined Mathare United from Dandora Youth in 2016 and has shown maturity. It was his virtuoso performance that earned him a place in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2010 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
