National Super League (NSL) side Luanda Villa is gearing up for what promises to be a challenging season as they set their sights on Premier League promotion. Head coach Gilbert Selebwa, a seasoned tactician and former AFC Leopards coach, is under no illusions about the difficulties that lie ahead for the Mumboha-based club.
Selebwa, who has been at the helm of Luanda Villa, is anticipating stiff competition, particularly from teams that were relegated from the Premier League last season. With clubs like Nzoia Sugar FC and Muhoroni Youth dropping down to the NSL, the fight for promotion is expected to be fierce. According to Selebwa, the hunger and determination of these teams to bounce back to the top-tier league will be a significant factor in the upcoming season.
“I expect a very competitive season, bearing in mind that Muhoroni and Nzoia Sugar FC will be fighting tooth and nail to return to the Premier League. Naivas FC, who failed to qualify last season after an impressive run, are likely to bring very tough opposition in the league too because they came so close to earning promotion,” Selebwa remarked.
The Luanda Villa coach is fully aware that his team will need to be at their best to compete against these formidable opponents. As a result, the club has been active in the transfer market, working to strengthen their squad in anticipation of the increased pressure. Selebwa has expressed confidence that Luanda Villa will “click” this season, especially with the return of key player Timothy Lumasai. Lumasai, a vital part of the team, was sidelined during the second leg of last season due to a knee injury. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to the squad.
However, Luanda Villa will have to contend with the departures of several key players, including Brian Bett, who has joined Shabana FC, and goalkeeper Johnstone Alusula, who has moved to Sofapaka FC. In total, 13 players have been released from the club as they prepare for the new season. Despite these losses, Selebwa remains optimistic, having already identified replacements for the outgoing players. Some of the new signings are from AFC Leopards, while others have been brought in from Ebwali FC. These additions are expected to be officially unveiled once all the necessary paperwork is completed.
Looking ahead, Luanda Villa’s journey in the NSL will begin early next month with a home fixture against Kibera Blackstars at Mumboha Sports Grounds. This match will mark the start of their second season in the NSL, following a respectable eighth-place finish last season, where they accumulated 52 points. Selebwa and his team are determined to improve on this performance and make a strong push for promotion to the Premier League.
The challenge is clear: Luanda Villa must navigate a highly competitive NSL season filled with motivated opponents all vying for the same goal. With strategic signings and the return of key players, Selebwa believes his team is well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Luanda Villa to see if they can rise to the occasion and secure their place in the Premier League.
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