New-look Luanda Villa target KPL promotion - Saleh

Saleh says they has signed 15 players to bolster the squad, blending experience and youthful talent.

With adequate time of preparing the team before the league kick-off, Saleh believes they will be a force to reckon with as they aim to seal a Premier League ticket.

“To compete for the NSL title next season, I had to look for experienced players while incorporating young energetic talent,” Saleh stated.

He acknowledged the long preseason will have an impact on their performance, as the 2026/27 kick-off was suspended indefinately once again following a court order obtained by Darajani Gogo.

“The eight to 10 weeks of preseason have been very tiring but we are working around the clock to ensure we tackle the challenges that might arise. Preparing without certainty of when to start always affects teams, bbut this is happening to us all,” he said.

Gogo contessted relegation to the Division One League, saying the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had applied mixed rules in the exercise - both the 2019 and the 2025 to their disadvantage.

Luanda Villa were set to play Equity Bank FC on Sunday before the suspension of league commencement announced on Friday evening. Equity narrowly missed promotion after finishing fourth with 71 points last season.

“The battle line had been drawn. We were going for nothing less than a victory. As hosts of the season opener,  we had rallied our fans and stakeholders to turn up in numbers and support the team."

Luanda Villa narrowly escaped relegation last season, finishing 13th with 43 points, just four points above the danger zone.

Coach Saleh had briefly parted ways with the club after his contract expired before being reappointed.

“The management, well-wishers and fans must seek a lasting solution to the financial challenges that usually bedevil Luanda Villa mid-season. Stakeholders must double their support,” he stated.