Luanda Villa head coach Leonard Saleh is confident his side can mount a strong challenge for promotion to the FKF Premier League in the 2026/27 National Super League (NSL) seasonDownload our Mozzart Sport app for more newsSaleh revealed that the club has recruited 15 players to strengthen the squad, combining experience with youthful talent as they target a place in the top flight.The coach believes the extended pre-season has given his team valuable preparation time, although uncertainty over the league's start remains a concern.##NAJAVA_MECA_10062783##“To compete for the NSL title next season, I had to look for experienced players while incorporating young, energetic talent,” Saleh stated.He admitted that the prolonged pre-season had been physically and mentally demanding, with the league's start suspended indefinitely following a court order obtained by Darajani Gogo FC.“The eight to 10 weeks of pre-season have been very tiring, but we are working around the clock to ensure we tackle the challenges that might arise. Preparing without certainty of when to start always affects teams, but this is happening to us all,” he said.Stars Abroad: Olunga brace goes in vain as Al Arabi suffers first league defeatDarajani Gogo challenged their relegation to Division One, arguing that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had applied different sets of rules, including those from 2019 and 2025, to their disadvantage.Villa were scheduled to host Equity FC on Sunday before FKF announced the latest suspension of the league's commencement on Friday evening.Saleh said his team had been eager to begin their campaign with a victory, with the club having mobilised supporters and stakeholders ahead of the planned season opener.Millions Tusker will earn from CAF despite Confederation Cup exit“The battle line had been drawn. We were going for nothing less than a victory. As hosts of the season opener, we had rallied our fans and stakeholders to turn up in numbers and support the team,” he said.Luanda narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 13th with 43 points, just four points above the relegation zone.The club will be hoping their new signings can help them improve on that performance and challenge for promotion.##NAJAVA_MECA_10062781##Saleh, who briefly parted ways with the club after his contract expired before being reappointed, also called for greater financial support to help Villa sustain their ambitions throughout the campaign.“The management, well-wishers and fans must seek a lasting solution to the financial challenges that usually bedevil Luanda Villa mid-season. Stakeholders must double their support,” he stated.
46