Kenyan Premier League side Bandari have splashed Sh2m for former international John Mark Makwata and defender Dennis Ng’ang’a to boost their prospects for silverware.
They hope the two additions will help them wrestle the KPL title from Gor Mahia to mark a maiden national triumph for the coastal side.
The duo signed two-year deals on Sh1 million each. ma Makwata, who won the KPL Golden Boot in 2020 with Ulinzi Stars, joins from Tanzanian Premier League side Coastal Union.
He has previously played for Nairobi City Stars, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, Kariobangi Sharks, Zambian sides Buildcon FC and Zesco United, Kuwaiti sides Al Nasr and Burgan and Gaborone United of Botswana.
Bandari expect the attacker to solve their goalscoring problems.
They have just 18 goals in 20 matches and have not won silverware since their 2019 FKF Cup triumph.
Makwata will fight for a place in the starting 11 against Bandari’s top scorer Beja Nyamawi (seven goals) and Alvin Ngoto. Ng’ang’a returns to KPL after a season with Zambian side Zanaco FC.
He joins the dockers after failing to agree terms and conditions with Gor despite training with them for about two weeks.
The left-footed Dagoretti-born defender, who won the KPL title twice with K’Ogalo, previously played for the defunct Wazito, Nairobi City Stars, Tusker and KCB.
The versatile dead-ball specialist can also play in midfield, making him a valuable asset for Ken Odhiambo’s side. He is a like-for-like replacement for captain Andrew Juma, who will be sidelined for the rest of the season through injury.
He will contest for a slot at the heart of defence against Brain Odera, Edward Satulo and Shariff Majabe. Coach Odhiambo said they brought the two to create depth with Ugandan forward William Wadri also out for the rest of the season after suffering an ankle injury against Sofapaka on Saturday.
“We want to blend youth and experience as we build a strong side for the future and finish at a respectable position,” said Odhiambo.