Luanda Villa, a prominent team in the National Super League (NSL), is gearing up for the upcoming season with a series of trials aimed at augmenting their squad. Head coach Gilbert Selebwa has announced that the club will hold trials on Monday and Tuesday next week to identify and recruit fresh talent to bolster the team.
The trials come in the wake of Luanda Villa’s commendable performance in the 2023/24 NSL season, where they finished eighth with 52 points. This was the club’s first attempt at the top tier of Kenyan football, and while Selebwa expressed pride in their achievement, he acknowledged areas that need improvement.
“Our problem has been scoring goals. We drew most compared to other teams, registering 16 draws after 38 games,” Selebwa noted. He attributed the team’s scoring difficulties to the absence of key striker Timothy Lumasai, who was sidelined with a knee injury. The lack of a solid backup option exposed the team’s vulnerability in front of goal.
In addition to reinforcing their attacking options, Selebwa highlighted the need for defensive improvements. “I need at least three new strikers. Since Division Two, Luanda Villa has had only one left back who played all 38 NSL matches. This consistency is commendable but also limits tactical flexibility,” Selebwa explained. He stressed the importance of recruiting versatile players who can adapt to various roles, especially on the left flank.
The trials will serve as a critical platform for scouting players who can address these gaps and help Luanda Villa achieve their goal of finishing among the top three teams in the NSL table next season. With a strategic focus on strengthening both their attack and defense, Luanda Villa is set to make significant strides in the coming season.
