National Super League (NSL) side Naivas FC have embarked on an ambitious squad overhaul, unveiling 16 new signings as they intensify their quest to finally secure promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) after several near misses.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Shoppers confirmed the extensive recruitment exercise through their social media platforms, strengthening virtually every department as they prepare for what promises to be another highly competitive NSL campaign.The latest shopping spree underlines the club's determination to turn their growing ambition into top-flight football, having spent the past several seasons knocking on the Premier League door without finding a way through.McCarthy names 3 new faces in Harambee Stars' provisional squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiersNaivas earned promotion to the NSL at the end of the 2021 season and have remained in the second tier since the 2021/22 campaign.Their progression has been steady, but the ultimate objective of reaching the top flight has continued to elude them.Their most painful setbacks have come in consecutive promotion/relegation playoffs.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930299##In the 2023/24 season, Naivas finished third in the NSL with 76 points from 38 matches after an impressive campaign that yielded 22 victories, 10 draws and six defeats. Their reward was a playoff meeting with 2009 league champions Sofapaka FC.However, the Shoppers suffered a 1-0 defeat at home in the first leg before losing by the same scoreline in the return leg, with Sofapaka completing a 2-0 aggregate victory to retain their top-flight status.Naivas returned to the promotion playoff a year later after another strong NSL campaign. They finished third again in the 2024/25 season and secured their place in the playoff with a convincing 3-0 victory over eventual champions Nairobi United on the final day.Kenya handed major boost in Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars futureThis time, Posta Rangers stood between them and promotion.The Mailmen established a commanding advantage by winning the first leg 2-0 at Thika Stadium, with Felix Oluoch scoring both goals.Naivas responded strongly in the return leg in Murang'a, taking an early lead through Mark Vivan, but the 1-0 victory was not enough as Posta Rangers progressed 2-1 on aggregate.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930301##It is against that backdrop that Naivas have gone into the transfer market with renewed intent.Leading the list of arrivals is experienced winger Stewart Omondi, who joins after previous FKF Premier League spells with Tusker FC, Nzoia Sugar and FC Talanta.His top-flight experience is expected to add quality and maturity to the Shoppers' attack.Victor Wanyama shares advice for young players aspiring to turn professionalDefensively, Naivas have acquired Maurice Sunga from Posta Rangers, while Emmanuel Mogaka arrives from Bidco United.The attacking department has also been reinforced by Steve Otieno from Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA). The speedy winger brings valuable top-flight experience, having previously featured for Sony Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks and Kisumu All Stars.Between the posts, the Shoppers have added three goalkeepers in Timothy Rashid from Bidco United, Steve Ogolla from Simba Apparel and David Wamalwa from Royal Fresh.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930309##Midfield has not been overlooked, with Dennis Ngaga joining from Sofapaka and Boaz Zachary arriving from 2008 league winners Mathare United.Other additions include Ryan Ochieng from Del Monte FC, Moses Mulekano from Samitsi FC, Calvin Ayot from Kisumu All Stars and defender Thomas Wainaina from MOFA.Former Bandari and Sofapaka midfielder Wilberforce Lugogo has also joined the club, alongside striker Victor Barack and Alex Oduor.SEASON PREVIEW: Migori Youth ready to dine after maiden promotion to table of menThe scale of the recruitment reflects a clear message from the Naivas supermarket-backed side, as another near miss will not be enough.Naivas have already demonstrated that they possess the quality to compete near the top of the NSL.Their consecutive third-place finishes and playoff appearances have placed them within touching distance of promotion, but the decisive hurdle has repeatedly proved too high.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930179##The challenge now will be for the new-look squad to translate its experience and depth into consistency across a long NSL campaign.With a mixture of seasoned FKF Premier League campaigners, experienced NSL players and promising young talent, Naivas will hope their latest recruitment drive provides the missing ingredient in their promotion quest.After years of waiting, the Shoppers will be determined to ensure that the new campaign does not end with another playoff heartbreak, but instead marks the season they finally break into Kenya's top-flight football.