The Kenyan Premier League is currently on a mid-season break and teams are rushing to sign new talent before the second half of the season kicks off. This is a chance for the teams to improve their squads for a better shot at cup and title glory.

Footballers who find themselves out of contract are on the lookout for new employers before time catches up with them. For AFC Leopards, it is a tough time as financial constraints have resulted in a player exodus. One of the ex-Leopards players Eric Masika has signed a 3 year deal with Sofapaka. Others like Congolese player Patrick Kagogo have also left Ingwe. But are these players sure of the moves they are making? Do they know what to consider when choosing a new club? Here are some things they need to think about.

1. Financial status of the club

Most of our local clubs still face a lot of challenges when it comes to money. Although some have sponsors, the money is never enough for the whole team. Most club officials have also been accused of misusing gate collections and leaving the players with nothing. Kenyan footballers strain to make ends meet and before moving to a new club, one should find out the financial status of the potential employers first.

2. Playing time

Tribalism, favoritism and nepotism are rampant in local football. This happens especially in teams with local coaches who tend to field players of their choice without considering ability or talent. Our national team is the best example, you always wonder how mediocre players are called up to the national team whereas those who shine at club level are never on the list. Players should only sign for clubs where they are assured of regular playing time rather than where they will only be used as bench warmers.

3. Medical cover

Health insurance is important to every player. This caters for your treatment in case you get sick or injured, but some of the teams around still don't cover their playing unit. Whenever players get injured while on duty, many clubs desert them leaving them to cater for their own medical expenses. A good example is former Gor Mahia player Solomon Nasio who was to undergo surgery after an injury but the team failed to help him. Fans had to raise funds to help him foot the hospital bill.

4. Growth

Every player has a dream to play in Europe one day. They work so hard, but trouble in most cases comes from the club management. Instead of nurturing talent, most of them kill careers (read no 2). Players should focus on their career growth when signing for a new club. From the nationwide league to the Tusker Premier League, players should set goals before signing for new teams. For example when you are playing in the top 4 teams, one should hope to move to a bigger club maybe outside the country and those in the lower league, should be dreaming of signing for KPL teams.

5.Proximity to the training ground

In Kenya we have few training grounds unlike other sports developed countries. Players should consider staying near the venue where the club trains for convenience. Most players tend to stay far away from the training grounds which results in various challenges including safety and cost.