DESPITE facing competition from other teams, Kengold FC are committed to keeping the majority of their players who powered them to promotion to the Premier League next season.

The club’s chief executive officer, Kenneth Mwambungu, emphasized their intention to retain their core players, even with interest from top teams vying for their signatures.

The Mbeya-based outfit clinched the Championship League title with 70 points. The squad had ended their campaign with 51 goals scored and 18 goals conceded from 29 games while drawing seven games, losing two, and getting 21 wins.

The newly promoted side is also the winner of the second-tier soccer showpiece, the Championship League, edging out second-placed Pamba FC by three points. Both teams secured automatic promotion.

City rivals Mbeya Kwanza finished third in the Championship League, while Biashara United ended up fourth. 

Biashara defeated Mbeya Kwanza in the promotion playoffs but ultimately fell short against Tabora United in the final relegation/promotion matchup, losing 2-1 on aggregate.

To strengthen their side, KenGold have hired former Coastal Union head coach Fikiri Elias who replaced Jumanne Chale.

According to Mwambungu, KenGold will retain most of their current players under Elias' leadership. The team also plans to add a few new signings to bolster their squad.

"Our recruitment drive is still ongoing as we aim to bolster our squad for a strong showing in the Premier League next season. We had a great run in the Championship League, and we understand the step up in competition requires a top-notch team.

"Unlike some newly promoted teams, we will be keeping the core of our squad that earned us promotion to the Tanzania Mainland Premier League. We believe in the players who got us here, and while we can't predict the future, we are confident they will form a strong foundation for our success in the top league," said Mwambungu.

The club is yet to reveal their new signings for next season with few experienced names, including free custodian Deogratius Munishi, linked to the Mbeya-based side.