Thika United have released four players following the completion of the 2012 Kenya Premier League season.

Thika, who finished fifth in the league, have parted company with Andrew Kulecho, forward Haji Mwachoki, custodian John Njenga Mbugua and defender Evans Oluteyo.

Coach John Kamau said the club will recruit four players to replace those who have left. " It's been a pleasure working with the departed players in this year's campaign," he said.

Oluteyo and Mwachoki had contracts running up to the end of this year, and we will not be renewing them. Njenga and Kulecho have also been released to move on with their careers," said Kamau.

Mwachoki moved to Thika in June from fellow Premier League side Chemelil Sugar. Kulecho was picked from Kakamega High School in Western Province while Oluteyo came from Star Sheik Secondary School in Mombasa. Mbugua has previously played for Tanzania's Mtibwa Sugar, as well as Division One sides Bandari and Bidco United, on loan from Thika.

Kamau said they are keen on young talent from school and promised to present a more stronger team next season. "We have identified players for next season particularly from the national secondary school games," he said.

Kamau said a poor start to the season cost them a chance to fight for the title. "We had a poor start to the league campaign although we regained our footing after six games.

From there, we have been consistent and this catapulted us to finish fifth position in the Premier League," added Kamau. Thika United Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw in the last league game of the season to deny them the title.