Michael Kibwage Discloses Key Reason for Choosing Gor Mahia Over Extended Stay at Tusker

Harambee Stars defender Michael Kibwage has shared one main factor that drove him to sign for Gor Mahia over extending his deal with Tusker.

Harambee Stars defender Michael Kibwage has admitted Gor Mahia’s huge fanbase was one of the key factors in his decision to join the club.

Kibwage was among a host of players who signed for Gor Mahia during Harambee Stars’ participation in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) after impressing at the continental tournament.

The defender had left Tusker FC, opting against extending his contract, when K’Ogalo came knocking and he says the allure of playing in front of big crowds was too big to resist.

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“I have been at various teams and even at my former team, we had ambitions of winning the league but coming to Gor Mahia is another step,” Kibwage told the club’s media.

“I needed a new environment which gives me the same calibre or bigger and I feel at Gor Mahia, I can achieve those dreams more.

Kibwage Keen to Play In Front of Big Crowds

“I feel like now, I need to be playing in a pressure environment because when you play and see fans are full, that is already pressure to impress. I feel they will put me on toes because sometimes, when you stay somewhere for a long time, you become comfortable.”

Kibwage had already seen how it felt like to play in front of a sold-out crowd during the CHAN tournament that had Harambee Stars supporters fill Kasarani Stadium and it is something he wants to keep enjoying since he believes it is the only way to get the best out of him and also retain his place in the national team.

“I feel this pressure from fans will push me more because I want to maintain my spot in the national team where the fanbase is huge. So, if you play under pressure in the league, it gives you more experience on the international stage,” he added.

“If you can perform well at a tournament like CHAN, it is an international stage and the chance I got is enough motivation to bring to the league. I am more confident.”

The former AFC Leopards and KCB defender spent two-and-a-half seasons at Tusker but opted against extending his contract when it expired at the end of last season.