Central defenders Salim Shitu Abdalla and Wycliffe Otieno are among 12 players who have parted ways with Kenyan Premier League side Nairobi City Stars upon the expiry of their contracts.
The 12, who were part of the club until the end of the 2021/22 season, are now free agents and can join a club of their choice, said the club chief executive officer Patrick Korir.
Shitu and Otieno, who joined Simba wa Nairobi at the start of the 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) season, will be joined on the exit door by defensive midfielder Charles Otieno and forward Davis Agesa, who both joined the club in 2017.
The long list of departures also has striker Erick Ombija and Rodgers Okumu, who joined the club at the start of the 2020/21 FKF Premier League season.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the club also confirmed that striker Nicholas Kipkirui, who joined in March 2021, and diminutive Michael Madoya, who arrived at the start of the 2021/22 season, are also free agents.
Adding to the list is left-footed utility John Kamau, who re-joined the club in January 2020, as well as forward Augustine Kuta who arrived on a short-term contract in January 2022.
Further, the club can confirm that central defender Lennox Ogutu and right back Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu have, after completing a season into their three-year and two-year contracts, respectively, left Simba wa Nairobi on mutual consent to explore other interests. Okumu is said to be heading to KCB FC.
Defensive-mid Sven Yidah also ran down his contract and has since crossed borders to seek a place in South African top-tier side Marumo Gallants.
“Shitu, Chumsy, Wycliffe, Charles, Agesa, and Kamau will always be remembered for being part of the team that guided City Stars to Premier League promotion in 2020 while Ombija, Okuse, Sven, Kipkirui, Madoya, Lennox and Kuta receive a pat on the back for making Simba wa Nairobi a stable team in the big boys' league,” said Korir
“We take the earliest opportunity to thank the players for their tireless contribution to the club. They will always be part of our history and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”
Speaking to the Star, Korir added that they are working on replacements. “I’ll share the names of new signings once we are done,” said Korir.