Gor Mahia forward Dan Sserunkuma celebrates after scoring during a past match. The Ugandan has signed for Simba SC. PHOTO | FILE
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Sserunkuma, who is out of contract with Gor Mahia, left for Kampala yesterday to take his belongings, according to Simba head coach, Patrick Phiri
Dar Salaam. After days of negotiations, Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserunkuma has finally completed his transfer to Mainland giants Simba on a two-year deal. The Msimbazi Reds secured the signature of the Ugandan international on Thursday, two days before the Mainland Premier League mid-season transfer window closes.
Sserunkuma, who is out of contract with the 14-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions (Gor Mahia), left for Kampala yesterday to take his belongings, according to Simba head coach, Patrick Phiri.
The Zambian had made the addition of a “killer” striker a key priority during the mini-transfer window, which closes on Monday.
Sserunkuma’s skills in front of goal coupled by his humility off the pitch are characteristics that have endeared him not only to Gor Mahia fans but also to almost every sports enthusiast.
“I am happy we have drafted in Sseruare. We have been in talks with him for nearly a week. We need a player of his caliber to revive our hopes for the league title,” said Phiri.
“We are still looking for two more local players- a defender and a forward- because we already have five foreigners in our squad.”
In the 2012/13 season, Sserunkuma missed the KPL Golden Boot award by a whisker after attaining second position with 17 goals, just one goal less than eventual winner John “Barry” Baraza. This year, the diminutive forward has shown more firepower in his striking duties with 43 goals to his name.
The former Nairobi City Stars player has on numerous occasions been linked with moves to South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs, Sudan’s Al Ahly Shendy, among others. European sides have also shown interest in signing him.
At Simba, he partners with compatriot Emmanuel Okwi, Burundian Amisi Tambwe and Tanzanian Elias Maguri.
Sources within Simba say Kenyan striker Raphael Kiongera may not feature for the Msimbazi Street outfit in their remaining assignments because he is still nursing a knee injury he sustained few weeks ago.
“If all goes well, he will leave for India on Tuesday for treatment under the auspices of Simba ,” the source said.
The signing of Sserukama brings to three the number of Ugandans at Simba.