Luanda Villa kick-off preseason amid home venue uncertainty

Vihiga's Luanda Villa FC have hit the camp in preparations for the National Super League (NSL) that is scheduled to begin next month, eyes on the title.

Luanda Villa head coach Leonard Saleh says his main task is to put together a squad that will be capable of lifting the NSL title as the team makes its third attempt next season.

According to the coach, their aim is to seal a Premier League promotion in the 2026/27 season.

"Players have had enough rest after last season where we finished in tenth position with 45 points. I believe the coming season we will have a better team compared to our last year's team," Saleh said.

"Next season Luanda Villa must be in the premier League," he added after leading the team in a training session at Maseno School grounds.

Luanda Villa have so far dropped 15 players, and Saleh says he is looking for 10 replacements for the released players.

"Last season we had a big squad which we will scale down this season. From thirty players last year, this year I am building a twenty five man squad which will be manageable," stated Saleh, adding that trials are ongoing.

Until now, it was uncertain whether Luanda Villa would return to Mumboha ground for training and hosting NSL matches at the venue, because of an unsettled dispute between the team and Mumboha Secondary School.

Last year, Luanda Villa would forcefully access the field after Mumboha Secondary School management locked them out.

The school has since warned of legal action against Luanda Villa should the team attempt to access the venue.

"We saw the notice but we are now seeking to solve the matter amicably with school management before the new season commences. I cannot say much for now until we see the outcome of a meeting we plan to hold with the officials of the team, the school management and local leaders to address matters at hand," Moses Abwenje, Luanda Villa FC chairman stated.