In a significant shift in the Kenyan football landscape, former Kenyan Premier League champions, Sony Sugar, underwent a remarkable transformation in 2021.
They not only changed their name to Gusii FC but also relocated from Awendo to Kisii town.
These changes came on the back of an acquisition by former Shabana Chairman, Paul Mayieko, signaling a new beginning for a club that has endured a tumultuous few years.
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The journey of Sony Sugar, now Gusii FC, has been marked by financial hardships that threatened its very existence.
In 2019, the team was forced to issue three walkovers due to these financial challenges, ultimately leading to their relegation to the second tier of Kenyan football.
There were even rumors last year that the team might be disbanded as the Sugar company, which had been a major supporter, faced its own financial constraints.
However, the acquisition by Paul Mayieko, a medical practitioner by profession, breathed new life into the club.
One of the immediate changes brought about by the acquisition is the change in the team’s name to Gusii FC.
This alteration not only provides the club with a fresh identity but also eases negotiations with potential sponsors.
Assistant coach Andrew Ongwae, a former Gor Mahia player, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, “We are happy that the acquisition process has finally been completed. It’s been a long journey, but finally, we have our name, Gusii FC.”
With the change in ownership also comes a new head coach. Kassim Junior Otieno, formerly of Sindo United, has taken over as the club’s head coach, with Andrew Ongwae serving as interim coach since February when the former head coach, Juma Abdalla, left for Western Stima.
The coaching staff is optimistic about the future, with Ongwae stating, “Kassim is here with us. He is a very knowledgeable coach, and I believe that together we will take the team forward. We are ambitious with big targets that we intend to achieve.”
This transformation signifies the end of an era for a club that was known for producing talented young players.
Over the years, Sony Sugar nurtured and developed promising footballers, including the likes of Joackins Atudo, Noah Abich, Ali Hassan, Kevin Oluoch, Tobias Otieno, Fredrick Onyango, and Enock Agwanda, among others.
Gusii FC has wasted no time in bolstering their squad for the challenges that lie ahead in the National Super League (NSL) 2023/24 season. They have made several new signings to strengthen their team:
- Anthony Obonyo (Goalkeeper) – from Vihiga United
- Robert Ouma (Goalkeeper) – from Naivas FC
- Kelvin Masango – from Nyamira Super Eagles
- Vincent Ongindi – from Marani Combined (Defender)
- Erick Oyansi – from Marani Combined (Defender)
- Kennedy Obare – from Gucha Youth (Striker)
- Derrick Junior – from Young Rovers Busia (Midfielder)
- Vincent Wanga – from AP Bomet (Midfielder)
- Fred Nyakundi – from Mara Sugar
- Matthew Tegisi – from Mombasa Elite
- Joshua Ratemo Chabicha – from MCF
- Anthony Chingwa – from Transfoc
- Dennis Osoro Juma – from Hakati FC Nairobi
- Abel Nyanteng’a – from Silbwet FC
- Adelbert Mogendi – from Mayaka FC
Gusii FC made an emphatic start to their NSL campaign, securing a 5-1 victory against Vihiga Bullets in their opening fixture.
This early success reflects their determination to make an impact in the league and their ambition to climb the ranks of Kenyan football once more.
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