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| Planets taking the mandatory preseason beep test |
Jan. 31, 2014
LIGI NDOGO, Ngong’ Rd. – LIGI NDOGO Planets
soccer was the fourth best team in the 2013 Division One Zone A group 1.The
team was back on the 13th for preseason practice, assembling on
ground for the opening of its annual training camp Monday
morning.
Bernard Ndichu served as caretaker from 2nd September
to 9th November 2013 and put together a solid 7-2-1 record
after the departure Michael Kamure.Coach Kamure had an overall record of
49-30-15 in three years at the club (52.13%).
The team welcomes back ten starters from last season's side,
including the team leaders in goals (John Njoroge, 12), assist (Samuel
Machio, 18), Most appearances (Brian Kimechwa, 47) as well as most-minutes
played (Phillip Mbaeme, 3060).
Central defender Arthur Weyula graduates to the premier
league and will turn out for promoted Top Fry Allstars.Leonard Ochieng and
Edgar Omollo will feature for provincial side, Kibera All Stars on waiver and
loan respectively.
Five year veteran Samuel Machio was selected as
team captain and served in that capacity throughout the 2013 season.
The team put together a 12-5-5 record, highlighted by a five
match win streak in November over K.R.A, (1 during that period),Mahakama (5)
and Bidco United (2) to sprint from sixth to fourth and qualify for Super league
soccer .Striker Thomas Lugera is expected back to the roster after going
on loan to Coast United Mikhail Mwaniki,the longest serving member of the
academy is expected to return to the active roster after sitting out most of
the 2013 season due to personal matters.
Seven transfers are expected to join the Planet program this
season. Among them is Kibera Celtic centre, Isaac Omari a replacement for
Weyula ,three midfielders,two forwards and and a goalkeeper. Most notable will be former
Planet keeper, Charles Ouma who is back from premier side Muhoroni Youth after
a one year hiatus.
In keeping with tradition,three players will be promoted
from the lower Ligi Ndogo teams.Right back Brian Ochieng (23) will be promoted
from the Foundation team while midfielders Kibet Kilele (17),Kamaru Waiyaki (17)
and Sheikh Remy (15) will be promoted from the Ligi Ndogo under 17 side that
featured in the Keele cup,UK over the past five years.
A major part of the Planets’ title quest this season will
depend on the consistency of their back four, a constantly improving unit that
conceded only 7 goals in the second half of the season compared to 15 in the
first leg.
The team will play its home games at its Ngong Rd
centre where it played its last five matches in season 2013 and went 4-1..