The new FKF Premier League season has kicked off with mixed results from the participating teams, and Barry Sila looks into the key players likely to highlight the 2023/24 season.

Patrick Kaddu – Gor Mahia FC

The Ugandan international, now playing his trade for record league champions, Gor Mahia FC, is a lethal forward in his best days.

Having ended last season at K’Ogalo with four goals, and having to come in later on in the season after FIFA lifted the transfer ban, the front-man who is currently injured and in recovery is expected – when fit and running – to create problems for opposing defenders.

In his first season in a home game against relegated Vihiga Bullets FC, the ex-Kampala City Council and RS Berkane attacker netted a hattrick. For Uganda Cranes, he has featured 21 times; scoring nine goals having, made his debut in 2018.

2. Kenneth Muguna – Kenya Police FC

The 27-year-old Kenyan international star midfielder is now under moneybags Kenya Police FC – having previously been with Tanzanian side Azam FC, and also captaining league giants Gor Mahia FC.

He has often been named one of the best creative midfielders in Kenya. On a good day, he is constantly unplayable, and to coach Francis Baraza, the law enforcers believe they have found a key man who can be able to unlock defences with his sublime passing range.

3. Lawrence Juma – Gor Mahia FC

The influential central midfielder returns to K’Ogalo after previously being with the 20-time champions for three years, and later on having skippered Sofapaka FC for three years. Also, he had a brief stint with Rwandese giants AS Kigali before returning to the country.

The 30-year-old ex-Nzoia Sugar FC energetic player will certainly give coach Jonathan McKinstry a nice selection headache as the same position has the likes of new signing Kevin Juma and the youthful Alpha Onyango.

Additionally, Juma has featured in 19 CAF matches for K’Ogalo during his first stint and in the process scored twice.

4. Derrick Otanga – KCB FC

Barely a season after leaving the Bankers’ den for the Police vault, the star striker formerly of now-defunct Sony Sugar FC makes a sensational return. Otanga is a former top-scorer in the FKF Premier League and his return gives a boost to new coach Bernard Mwalala ahead of the new campaign. The 26-year-old attacker has previously, also, had a season with Wazito FC and Libyan top-tier side Alittihad Misurata SC.

5. Abdul Razak – Sofapaka FC

The mercurial Burundian international striker nicknamed “Van Persie” is back at his former home after a big-time move about seven years ago to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns after being sold for Sh37 million by Batoto ba Mungu under their owner Elly Kalekwa.

At 29 years, he still has got the goods to get the job done in a central attacking position with his first game slated against multiple Champions Gor Mahia.

6. Daniel Otieno – Sofapaka FC

Former Mathare United forward Daniel Otieno is known to many defenders in the last three years as a player who could score at half a moment’s notice.

The new Sofapaka man is capable of playing as a twin attacker or an inside offensive player with his biggest weapon being his cunning nature and power.

The 26-year-old former Muhoroni Youth FC and Sony Sugar FC player has in his professional career scored 26 goals in 28 appearances. In his four-year rein with the slum-boys, he has scored 22 goals.

In the last campaign (2022/23), in a game against his former employers Gor Mahia, he netted one of the goals of the tournament in the first leg leading to a 2-1 win with a rasping drive from 20 yards that beat Gad Matthews in goal for K’Ogalo.

7. Elvis Rupia – Kenya Police FC

The burly striker is the immediate former league top-scorer with 27 goals to his name. It should be interesting to see if his sensational form of the last campaign will hold.

The Kenyan international should be a big boost for the law enforcers in the finishing department as the Police team who have heavily invested in new players will be looking at winning their first-ever title.

The 28-year-old ex-AFC Leopards attacker, also known fondly as Machado, has also had active stints for Harambee Stars between 2022-23 scoring twice in build-up games against South Sudan and Tanzania.

8. Tyson Otieno – Kenya Police FC

The exciting creative midfielder formerly of Kariobangi Sharks FC is a born entertainer and often a joy to watch when with the ball.

He is expected to add the juices upfront for the likes of Rupia and new signing Tito Okello. His ingenuity and brilliance often leave defenders for dead and coach Francis Baraza has got a gem of a player.

Interestingly, the offensive player is not known for a lot of goals of his own but mostly for creating something from nothing.

9. Daniel Ange – Kariobangi Sharks FC

The lanky Congolese attacker was recently unveiled at Kariobangi Sharks after leaving relegated fellow slum-boys Mathare United.

He scored six goals for Mathare last season and he is expected to add a different edge to the Shark’s attack.

The Congolese striker has previously played for Hakati Sportiff and also trained with AFC Leopards briefly before he moved to Mathare United.

10. Moses Shummah – Kakamega Homeboyz FC

Exciting young Kakamega Homeboyz FC attacker Moses Shummah was a standout star last season in the lead-up to a good season.

He led his side coached by Patrick Odhiambo to a maiden CAF preliminary stages appearance and has been much sought after since.

Shummah made his debut and first cap for the Harambee Stars in June 2023, when Kenya beat Pakistan 1-0 with the youthful player netting the all-important goal.