A Mathare-based football academy has revisited fond recollections of two of its former players after securing moves to Football Kenya Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks FC.

In a statement on its Facebook page on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Mathare Flames Sportive posted a throwback photo of its former striker Mark Vivian Kesa and Delvine Wayne Otieno, who formerly appeared for the team but will now be playing as teammates after the former’s move to the William Muluya-coached top-league outfit.

“Kumbukumbu. Recollections. Mark and Messi against Kariobangi Sharks Youth. Now they are all in Kariobangi Sharks colours. All the best, boys,” the club, which plays in the Nairobi Easy County League, posted.

The post comes moments after Sharks announced the signing of an impressive striker from National Super League outfit Naivas FC.

Sharks unveiled the player on Saturday, August 2, 2025, following an impressive stint at the NSL that saw Naivas FC come within reach of promotion to KPL, only to fall in the promotion-relegation playoff tie against Posta Rangers.

“There’s no rest… Markvivan Kesa is an extreme example of what a hard-working lad can achieve. A machine gun in front of the goal, he joins from Naivas FC,” Sharks said while unveiling the hitman.

In what has been a stellar year for the attacker after earning promotion from the academy to Naivas, Kesa went on to bag 12 goals for the National Super League outfit under the guidance of coach Elvis Valdo Ayany.

Meanwhile, the striker joins a number of players who will be featuring for the Sharks team for the upcoming season.

Sharks new signings

Among the team’s list of new arrivals is Delvine Otieno, also known as Messi, who became the club’s first signing after joining from Sofapaka FC.

Sharks have also nabbed the services of Patilah Omoto, who returned to the club after stints with Police FC and Posta Rangers.

The former FKF Cup winners also promoted youngster Jahson Wakachala to the team seniors ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The budding attacking ace was elevated for a kickabout with the seniors after spending time in the National Division Two with the juniors team.

Nzuva joins

Prior to Kesa, Costah Anzeo Nzuva had been the Sharkmen’s most recent signing after joining the club from NSL side Kibera Black Stars.

Nzuva, who also attracted interest from AFC Leopards, opted to don the yellow of Kariobangi Sharks.

The left back was a crucial cog of the Kibera-based club, whose push for top-flight football ended in disappointment as the club finished in fifth place, just three spots shy of promotion to the top-tier league.

Mainstay

During the season, Costa featured in all the club’s 34 games, cementing his assured presence in the team.

His tenacity and determination have, however, earned him the prospect of featuring in the top league after catching the eye of William Muluya.