Muluyha is not worried about the prospect of losing key midfielder Keith Imbali to Shabana in the ongoing mid-season transfer window.
Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya has played down concerns over the departure of talented midfielder Keith Imbali to Shabana, viewing it instead as an opportunity for other players to step up.
Imbali, a key figure in the Sharks’ midfield for the past three seasons, completed his move to the Glamour Boys earlier this week. His technical ability and composure on the ball had reinforced Sharks’ reputation as the ‘Brighton’ of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League— a club known for nurturing top talent.
Despite Imbali’s departure, Muluya remains unfazed and sees it as a natural part of the club’s ethos in developing young players and preparing them for greater opportunities.
“Maybe him leaving us is a blessing in disguise—maybe leaving for him could be a blessing for (Kevin) Msambai and Francis Memusi,” Muluya told Pulse Sports.
“He is a good player who was with us for four or five years, but I have nothing to say on him leaving. We just have to work hard with the players we have remaining because his exit is a good opportunity for others to step up.”
Kariobangi Sharks have built a strong reputation for player development, a philosophy that has reaped significant rewards in recent years. The club recently secured a lucrative transfer fee of nearly USD 200,000 (Ksh25.8 million) from Stanley Wilson’s move to Swedish side AIK, just a year after he joined Sharks from Darajani Gogo.
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Wilson, who made his debut for AIK last Sunday after sealing a USD 200,000 (Ksh. 25 million) move from Kariobangi Sharks, has revealed the English Premier League club he wants to play for one day.
Teenager Humphrey Aroko could be the next to follow in Wilson’s footsteps, having impressed during a trial at AIK, potentially sealing another major transfer for the club.
Muluya believes such moves not only benefit the players but also contribute to the growth of Kenyan football at large.
“It is a good thing for the country. Whenever these players move abroad to develop their game further, it becomes beneficial for our national team, Harambee Stars,” he remarked.
“That is our obligation as a club. We have to give them the platform. Francis Memusi left Laiser Hill and Msambai came from Saint Anthony’s—both players only sat for their KCPE exams last year.
“Pryce Musebe was at Green Commandos and is now studying at Kenyatta University, so if we are not the club that gives these players a chance, who will? Who else would have given Andres (Odhiambo) the opportunity?
“Let us be the club that provides players with a chance to grow, as this is the key to developing football in the country.”
Muluya’s words reinforce the Sharks’ continued commitment to talent development. As Imbali begins his journey at Shabana, the coach is confident that his departure will only pave the way for the next generation of promising stars at Kariobangi Sharks.
