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Salim Ali opens up on decision to recruit former Gor Mahia ace Benson Omalla
26th January, 2026 01:09 PM
Nairobi United Technical Director Salim Ali has explained that strengthening the team with experienced players informed the decision to massively recruit ahead of the start of the second leg of the season.
The club has massively engaged in signing eight players during the January transfer window, with former Gor Mahia talisman Benson Omalla highlighting the midseason acquisitions for the side that sits mid-table after the first half of the season.
Other January arrivals for the club included former MLS star Mustapha Kizza, Roy Okal (who joined from KPL league rivals Sofapaka), and Rwandese import Muhadjiri Hakizimana, among others.
Experience
“I think the signings go hand in hand with the long-term and short-term goals we have as a club. For Benson, we needed to add more experience up front,” he explained.
The TD posited that the team remains keen on maintaining its competitive edge and rubbing shoulders with FKF PL big boys in only their debut season in the top flight.
The Naibois made a resounding achievement in 2025 by winning the second-tier championship before spectacularly announcing their might with the FKF Shield Cup win over Gor Mahia afterwards, sealing a CAF Confederation Cup berth.
“We want to make a team capable of competing with the FKF PL league top boys. We elected to boost our youthful players, whom we brought up from the NSL to the top tier, with experience from seasoned players to augment the areas we lacked,” he stated.
“With the quality we have in the team, I believe we stand a chance to compete and win the league. We also look to defend our Mozzart Cup, and we will have success this year,” he added.
Otieno on Naibois’ season prospects
His skipper, John Otieno, echoed the same sentiments, stating that the team has what it takes to successfully retain their Shield Cup and enjoy a successful debut in the top flight.
Speaking to a local TV station on Monday, January 26, 2026, Otieno revealed that participating in the CAF Confederation Cup group phases has been an eye-opener for the team.
“The group stage of CAF has its own demands. It has been quite a tough climb. At this stage, if you make a mistake, you get punished. I think we have lacked the necessary experience for that stage, and it is what showed in the group,” he stated.
Naibois were left to continue their search for a maiden win in the CAF interclub competition after letting go of a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Azam FC on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Otieno maintains that all is not lost heading to the remaining decisive three games. With the club propping up the Group B standings with zero points.
“It is not over yet. We shift focus to the away clash with Azam. They have won on our turf, and we are also capable of doing the same at their home. Football is played in 90 minutes, and we are not under pressure. We are competing against ourselves first. We earned this challenge, and we are focused on getting something from the group stages,” he posited.
