Kenyan Football Clubs Rush to Sign Strikers as Cup Competition Drives Transfer Frenzy
Nairobi, 29 January 2026
The Mozzart Bet Cup 2026 has sparked intense transfer activity across Kenya’s National Super League, with clubs scrambling to bolster their attacking options for a demanding fixture schedule. MOFA FC made the boldest move by securing prolific striker Joshua Amunike from Nairobi City Stars, who netted eight goals in the first half of the season. Coach Charles Warinda emphasised the urgent need for squad depth as teams face congested calendars balancing both league and cup commitments. The tournament offers substantial financial incentives, with winners earning KSh 3 million, creating fierce competition for striking talent as promotion-chasing clubs prepare for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Strategic Reinforcements Shape Championship Race
MOFA FC’s acquisition of Joshua Amunike from Nairobi City Stars represents more than just a simple transfer - it signals the club’s serious intent to secure one of three automatic promotion slots to the Kenya Premier League [1]. The Michael Olunga Foundation Academy has demonstrated shrewd recruitment by targeting Amunike, who scored eight goals for Simba wa Nairobi in the first leg of the National Super League [1]. The signing comes as MOFA sits third on the NSL table with 32 points, trailing leaders Migori Youth by four points and second-placed Mombasa United by two points [1]. This narrow gap means every goal could prove decisive in the promotion race.
Depth and Tactical Flexibility Drive Signings
The club has further strengthened its attacking arsenal with the addition of Vincent Nyabuto from newly promoted Gucha Stars, a former Gor Mahia Youth player who has already made an immediate impact [1]. Nyabuto scored his first goal for MOFA in a 1-1 draw against Nzoia Sugar on Sunday in Kisumu, bringing his season tally to 11 goals and placing him joint-top of the NSL scoring charts alongside Migori Youth’s Syphas Otieno [1]. Coach Charles Warinda explained the strategic reasoning behind these acquisitions, stating: “The second leg of the NSL is starting soon, and the league cup is also coming up. We need depth and flexibility, especially as we look at different formations” [1]. The club’s existing striker Laban Otieno has contributed seven goals this season, creating a formidable attacking triumvirate [1].
Transfer Window Brings Mixed Fortunes
However, MOFA’s transfer activity has not been entirely positive, as they have lost centre-back Vincent Wanga to promotion rivals Migori Youth during the current transfer window [1]. Wanga has already demonstrated his value to his new club by scoring twice since joining [1]. The club has attempted to offset this loss by unveiling Steve Brian, who joins from NSL rivals Naivas FC [1]. These moves highlight the competitive nature of the current transfer market, where promotion-chasing clubs are engaged in a delicate balancing act of strengthening their squads whilst avoiding key departures to direct rivals.
Infrastructure Challenges Amid Competition Intensity
The intensity of the current campaign extends beyond transfer activities to include concerns about playing conditions across the league. Mwatate United head coach Evans Mafuta has criticised the poor state of the Eldoret Showground pitch following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Soy United, which ended their two-match winning run [1]. “Eldoret Showground is one of the worst playing fields in the country. That facility should not host NSL games—it is in a horrendous state,” Mafuta stated [1]. Despite this setback, the CAF B licence holder remains optimistic about his team’s survival prospects, noting: “I’m not worried about relegation. I picked many positives, especially how the new players are adapting” [1]. Mafuta’s side is targeting at least 10 points from their next five matches as they battle to escape the relegation zone, with the club hoping to complete the signing of 10 players who have been training with the team over the past two weeks [1].