National Super League side SamWest Black Boots FC head coach Andrew Ongwae says he is eyeing promotion to the Kenyan Premier League qualification.
Ongwae is keen to help SamWest Black Boots, formerly Vihiga Bullets, play in the top tier.
“NSL is a tough league but we have had a good pre-season and I believe we are ready to challenge for a slot in the Premier League. During pre-season, we played lower tier and KPL teams to gauge our preparedness,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae, however, faulted the decision to postpone the league kick-off to September 22.
“The decision to postpone the league was ill-advised since teams have trained and are ready. We now have to see how to manage the players,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae signed 13 players with Premier League and NSL experience.
Among them is former Nzoia and Gusii FC goalkeeper Bernard Onunga, forward Nehemiah Onchiri (Gusii) and midfielders Japheth Lihanda and Brian Odhiambo.
Others are goalkeeper Steve Opiyo from Mofa, left-back Jim Owili from Silibwet Leons, Evans Odhiambo from Ruiru Hotstars, Hohn Onzere from Vihiga United and John Kamau from Rainbow FC.
“I went for experienced players since NSL is very competitive,” said Ongwae.
“I’m looking to sign one more player. I need a proven striker. We are negotiating with Joshua Chabicha, who played for Gusii FC last season.”
Meanwhile, Ongwae — a CAF 'B' licence holder — revealed he declined an assistant coach's job at a KPL team.
“I’m comfortable here at the moment. I want to grow gradually as a coach,” said Ongwae.
He expects a hard time from Muhoroni Youth and Nzoia Sugar — who were relegated from the top tier — Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet and Fortune Sacco.
Black Boots open their campaign against regular NSL campaigners SS Assad at Vapor grounds in Ngong on September 22.
