Former Shabana forward joins growing list of Kenyans moving to South Sudan

Former Shabana FC forward Erick Otieno is poised to continue his career beyond borders after agreeing to join reigning South Sudan Premier League champions El Merriekh SC Bentiu.

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The ambitious Bentiu-based club confirmed the Kenyan attacker's arrival through a statement posted on their official Facebook page, announcing that he had landed in the country ahead of completing his transfer formalities.

Otieno arrived at Juba International Airport on Monday, where he was received by club officials as preparations for his official unveiling gathered pace.

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"Another big arrival for the Pride of Bentiu! Erick Otieno touched down at Juba International Airport this afternoon. Stay tuned for more updates," the club posted on its social media platforms.

The move is expected to be completed on a free transfer, with the forward having been without a club since leaving FKF Premier League side Shabana FC midway through the 2025/26 season.

His departure from the Glamour Boys brought an end to a brief stint at the Kisii-based outfit, leaving him available for a new challenge.

Otieno arrives in South Sudan carrying a wealth of experience gained from several seasons in Kenyan football.

The former FC Talanta talisman established himself as one of the league's most dangerous attacking players during his time in the top flight, while also turning out for former Kenyan champions Tusker FC.

His impending switch further highlights the growing influence of Kenyan footballers in South Sudan's top tier.

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Reigning FKF Premier League Golden Boot winner Joseph Waithira recently completed a move to Jamus SC, joining fellow Kenyan Haniff Wesonga at the club.

Veteran striker Jesse Were, the 2015 Kenyan Premier League top scorer, was also among the notable Kenyan exports who recently featured in the South Sudan Premier League having turned out for Al Hilal Wau.

Founded in 2022, El Merriekh SC Bentiu have quickly established themselves as one of the fastest-rising clubs in South Sudan.

Their breakthrough came during the 2023/24 campaign when they lifted the South Sudan National Championship title to secure promotion to the country's top-flight.

The club's meteoric rise continued in the recently concluded 2025/26 season as they completed a historic domestic double, winning both the South Sudan Premier League title and the South Sudan National Cup for the first time in their history.

Their rapid success has also extended onto the continental stage as El Merriekh featured in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, where they faced record league champions Gor Mahia.

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