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Here’s everything you need to know about the little-known Tanzanian club that has signed Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Josh Onyango after their surprise departure from Singida
News that Kenyan players Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya, and Josh Onyango have left Singida Fountain Gate just five months after joining caught many by surprise.
Singida gave ‘thank you’ to the Kenyan trio alongside three other players, including former Gor Mahia striker Meddie Kagere.
It was surprising given they have been the most dependable players for Singida and were acquired for big money with the club expressing big ambitions.
However, less than six months into their contracts, they have been offloaded with Rupia, Abuya, and Onyango all joining little-known Ihefu Sports Club.
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06:00 - 19.01.2024
FOOTBALL Revealed: Why Singida dumped Kenyan stars Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Joash Onyango
Singida Fountain Gate have explained why they had to offload Kenyan players Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Joash Onyango, just months after signing them on big-money deals
Singida have maintained their decision was purely business as they needed to sell some of their top players to pay off their debts but according to reports in Tanzania, there is more than meets the eye.
So, who are Ihefu SC?
Young club
Ihefu is based in Mbeya city in the south east of Tanzania and is one of the country’s youngest clubs, having been founded in 2016.
They have oscillated between the top flight, Ligi Kuu Bara, and the second tier, their recent promotion being in 2022 after finishing top in the Championship, the promotion being the second in two years after also getting up in 2020.
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13:00 - 18.01.2024
FOOTBALL Kenyan trio Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Joash Onyango dumped by Singida Fountain Gate
Tanzanian side Singida Fountain Gate FC have offloaded Kenyan players Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Joash Onyango, less than five months after signing them
Ihefu had an impressive campaign on their return when they finished sixth in the 16-team league with 39 points.
This season’s struggles
However, things have not gone well this season as they currently sit 13th on the log with as many points after managing three wins out of 14 matches.
Things could start to change, however, going by their recent activities in the transfer market where they have brought in the big names.
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18:00 - 28.12.2023
LIGI KUU Kocha Mexime aahidi makubwa Ihefu FC
Mexime amepata nafasi hiyo ikiwa imepita wiki moja tangu atimuliwe kuinoa Kagera Sugar
‘Change in ownership’
What is being said in hushed tones in Tanzania is that Ihefu have received a new benefactor.
It is even rumoured that Tanzania politician Mwigulu Nchemba, who was said to be behind Singida’s recent big spending, is the man who has bought the club.
Many point to the recent management changes at Ihefu as proof of this. Ihefu this week appointed former Singida CEO Sikwane Olebile in the same position with Fred Chalamika joining as his assistant.
Following them from Singida to Ihefu was Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo as technical director, Mathias Lule as assistant coach and Themi Felix as team manager.
Third coach this season
The management team arrived soon after Mecky Mexime joined the club to become their third coach this season.
Former Kagera Sugar coach Mexime took over from Ugandan Moses Basena who had replaced Zuber Katwila.
Big-money signings
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20:39 - 18.01.2024
KANDANDA Singida FG yaacha nyota wake sita
Hatua hiyo imetokana na timu hiyo yenye maskani yake mkoani Singida kuboresha vitabu vyao vya kimahesabu
Those major changes in the boardroom and dugout have given way to the signing of the big names from Singida which sort of joins the dots over the reported ownership change.
It is worth noting that Sindiga have been cagey on the issue of ownership ever since they started their spending spree and club president Japhet Makau refuted any links with Nchemba again this week when announcing the player sales.
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