Nzoia Sugar’s fairytale run in the just concluded season is coming at a cost with top guns now after all their best players. Days after losing Boniface Munyendo to AFC Leopards, the Millers have now lost another key player, this time to the league champions, Gor Mahia.
K’Ogalo have commenced their rebuilding ahead of their return to the CAF Champions League next season by acquiring the services of Nzoia Sugar midfielder Kevin Juma.
The defensive midfielder, who was on the radar of AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and Tusker FC, among other clubs both within and outside the Kenyan borders, has signed a four-year contract with the club and will be part of what could be a new-look Gor midfield in the 2023–24 season.
“It is true I have signed for Gor Mahia. We had already agreed on the deal weeks ago, and I have inked a four-year deal with the club. I am excited about this new chapter in my career,” the combative midfielder told Mozzart Sport.
Juma has been with the Millers for close to six years and has been linked with moves away from the club in the last three transfer windows. He says he felt that it was time for him to leave Bungoma’s comfort zone and is looking forward to a successful run with Gor.
“It’s an exciting phase that I am looking forward to. Nzoia has been my home for many years, and I feel that the time is ripe for me to try out a new club in a different environment,” he added.
On why he snubbed other clubs for Gor, Juma said the desire to lift titles pushed him towards the Johnathan McKinstry-coached team.
“I had many offers, but as you know, Gor is at a different level. They are a big team with ambitions; they don’t just participate in the league; they play to win the league, and I definitely want to be part of such success. The team will also play in the CAF Champions League, and that was another motivating factor in me settling for them.”.
At Gor Mahia, he will be in direct competition with Ernest Wendo for that defensive midfield spot but could also partner the seasoned midfielder in the middle of the park, as was evident at Nzoia Sugar, where he and Munyendo, viewed by many as similar in style, complimented each other.
He is viewed as a replacement for Shafik Kagimu, who last week left the club for North Macedonia. Another player whose contract has expired is Ugandan winger Peter Lwasa.
Juma is a full Kenyan international and made his Harambee Stars debut in March 2021 against Togo in an African Cup of Nations qualification match.
