Naivas FC release 13 players after unsuccessful FKF Premier League stab
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 12.08.25. | 16:05
Among the notable departures is veteran goalkeeper Jacob Osano, formerly with Sofapaka, Nairobi City Stars
National Super League (NSL) outfit Naivas FC have embarked on a major squad overhaul after parting ways with 13 players following their failed bid to secure promotion to the FKF Premier League.
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The shake-up comes just weeks after the Shoppers fell short in the two-legged Promotion/Relegation Playoff, succumbing 2-1 on aggregate to Posta Rangers.
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It marked a second consecutive year of heartbreak for the club, who had also lost to FKFPL giants Sofapaka in the 2023/24 Promotion/Relegation decider.
Under head coach Elvis Ayani, Naivas will now turn their focus to the upcoming 2025/26 NSL season, with an eye on securing automatic promotion rather than relying on the playoff route, a goal that has eluded them in two previous campaigns.
Among the notable departures is veteran goalkeeper Jacob Osano, formerly with Sofapaka, Nairobi City Stars, and Nairobi Stima. Osano joined Naivas at the start of last season but struggled for regular game time.
The club has also lost key attacking threat Mark Vivian Kesi, who has signed for 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks, as well as dependable defender Justus Akweywa, who has joined Shabana FC.
Former City Stars midfielder Newton Ochieng is also part of the players who have passed through the exit door, and has been linked with a move to Bidco United.
Other players shown the door include Vincent Odongo, Bryson Juma, Francis Gethoi, Morgan Oduor, Kingsley Awuor, and former Murang’a Seal forward Athuman Rashid.
Returning loanees Peter Waithaka and Boniface Maundu, both from Real Worries FC, have also been released.
In an official statement, Naivas confirmed the full list of exits and revealed the promotion of five youth team players as they begin the rebuilding phase.
"We can confirm the departure of the following players: Newton Ochieng, Justus Akweywa, Markvivan Kesa, Peter Waithaka, Bonface Maundu, Vincent Odongo, Bryson Juma, Francis Gethoi, Jacob Osano, Charles Otieno, Kingsley Awuor, Morgan Oduor and Athuman Rashid.
"We wish them well in their next assignments and thank them for their service. We can also confirm that five youth players have been promoted to the main team,” read the statement.
