ACROSS the landscape of professional sports, strategic player acquisitions often define a team's trajectory - either propelling them toward success or derailing their ambitions due to poor planning.

For KenGold, the latter scenario is becoming a harsh reality as the club teeters on the brink of relegation from the Tanzania Mainland Premier League.

Their struggles can largely be traced to missteps in recruitment and technical decisions, which have left the team vulnerable and underperforming. 

From signing players lacking top-flight experience to unstable managerial choices, KenGold's season has been marred by a series of setbacks.

Formerly known as Gipco FC and based in Geita, the club underwent a rebrand and relocation to Chunya district in the Mbeya region after forming a new partnership aimed at expanding its business and geographical reach. However, off-field changes have not translated into on-field success.

Just four seasons ago, KenGold impressed in the Championship league, finishing fifth and setting a record for the most wins in a single campaign. But this season has been a steep decline, and their hopes of survival are hanging by a thread.

Currently languishing in the relegation zone, KenGold have collected just 16 points. With only four games left, the maximum points they can secure is 28 - barely enough to survive, and that’s only if other results go their way. 

A single draw could derail their slim chances, while two consecutive losses would seal their fate, making them the first team to be relegated this season.

Their remaining fixtures do little to inspire optimism. They are set to face fellow relegation battlers Coastal Union (away), Pamba Jiji (home), and Namungo (away), before concluding against title-chasing Simba SC. 

The challenging fixture list further diminishes their survival hopes, especially after a recent 3-1 defeat to Tanzania Prisons added to their woes.

At the heart of KenGold’s crisis is their early-season recruitment strategy. The team signed several young and inexperienced players who have struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. 

Hopes that these players would grow into the role have been dashed, and their limitations have become increasingly evident.

To make matters worse, KenGold lost several key players early in the season – including James Msuva, Helbert Lukindo, Charles Masai, and Emanuel Mpuka - all of whom brought valuable Premier League experience. Their departures left gaping holes in the squad.

The coaching situation has also contributed to the instability. The club started the season under coach Fikiri Elias, but poor results led to a mid-season change, with Omari Kapilima stepping in. 

Even during the mid-season transfer window, which opened on December 15, 2024, attempts to strengthen the squad yielded limited success.

Among the high-profile signings were Bernard Morrison, Ernaes Morison, Zawadi Mauya, Kelvin Yondani, Seleman Bwenzi, and Obrey Chirwa.

Despite their pedigree, the team has continued to falter. One particular signing even stirred controversy off the pitch, raising questions about the club’s recruitment policies.

Additionally, the leadership’s attempt to appoint Serbian coach Vladislav Heric was hampered by complications related to his coaching license and work permit, adding to the growing list of setbacks.

Despite everything, KenGold ended the first leg of the season with six points and sat in 16th place. 

Since then, they’ve managed to earn just 10 more points in the second leg - leaving them stuck at 16 points total, still deep in the danger zone with only four matches left.

For KenGold, the road to survival is steep and uncertain. And unless something extraordinary happens in the coming weeks, their time in the top flight appears to be running out.