By Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport Online

Earlier in July, the Ukrainian first division was among the first European leagues to kick-off after the World Cup finals on June 30.

Ukraine is one of the new destinations for some African footballers - a highly unusual spot only a few years ago.

Shahktar Donetsk are the title-holders and they wrapped up the campaign without the help of their famous Nigerian import Julius Aghahowa.

The striker was away in Japan for the World Cup finals.

Although Aghahowa left without joining in the champagne splash, he scored some vital goals before international commitment made him to leave.

Shopping list

Donetsk will start among the favourites, but Kiev giants, Dynamo and Dnipropetrovsk, are also in contention for the title.

Shakhtar's Italian coach, the fomer Parma boss Nevio Scala, has a number of top Africans in his squad.

As well as Aghahowa, he also has Nigeria defender Isaac Okoronkwo and Senegalese Assan Ndiaye on his books.

And he has added Roda JC's Cameroonian, Bernard Tchoutang, to his shopping list from after he went scouting in Holland.

But the arrival of Brazilians Damian Rodrigues and Brandao means the Africans have to shed sweat for a first team place.

Kiev - Shakhtar's new arch-rivals since the breakup of the Soviet Union - have two Africans in their books.

Contribution

Teenagers Omokoh Harrison and Lucky Idahor are far from replacing legends like Oleg Blokhin at the former Soviet Union's most successful club.

However, their contribution to Dynamo's near miss to the title last year has not been overlooked.

Kiev has increased their African list signing the first North African Badir Kadduri of Morocco.

City rivals Arsenal Kiev have Patrick Julian Ibanda of Cameroon, who opened his account on the first day of the new season.

But for two Nigerians at Karpaty Lviv, the future does not look so bright.

Karpaty intend doing away foreign imports after a turbulent last season.