TUK out to seal void left by new Gor Mahia striker Uyoga

Technical University of Kenya (TUK FC) are braced for life in the Super 8 Premier League without their prolific top scorer, Jeconiah Uyoga who has since joined record national league champions, Gor Mahia FC.

TUK head coach Lukas Aluoch maintains his side has been preparing in earnest to clinch the 2017 crown after missing out last season.

Uyoga who was crowned the Super 8 League Most Valuable Player for the second year running last season was an integral part of coach Aluoch’s squad but has since signed up with K’Ogalo in a bid to pursue his dream of making national team Harambee Stars.

TUK narrowly missed the Super 8 league crown by a whisker, finishing third on 60 points, behind winners Kayole Asubuhi (64) and Jericho All Stars (61).

Even though they went on to claim the Super 8 Champions League crown post -season, the university students have the Uyoga-shaped hole to fill in their attack with the striker having plundered in 26 of the 71 goals they netted last season.

The new Gor marksman missed out in the race for the Super 8 Golden Boot to veteran former Nairobi City Stars striker, Francis Thairu of Kawangware United by only a single goal.

Aluoch concedes losing Uyoga is a huge setback but remains adamant the current squad can charge for the title when competition kicks off on Saturday.

“I won’t deny. It was a big blow to the team but we knew it would come sooner or later. Jeco is a top notch player and they are lucky to have a quality forward like him.

“As a coach who has seen him grow, I’m happy for him and together with the team we wished him well and urged to work hard,” the TUK coach said.

“But that does not mean all is lost, we are rebuilding the squad and as an institutional team, our aim is to also see other players get a chance like he did.

“We have been training and engaging in pre-season friendlies so the team is coming up well and the players are willing to fight for the team, I’m optimistic that this season, will be much better than last year,” Aluoch underscored.

The coach is seeking to reclaim the title they won in 2015 but has urged his side to put behind past glories and focus on vying for the crown this term.