FKFPL Tusker bolster ranks with Ugandan hotshot Byamukama and on demand Nzoia Sugar duo

Matano believes the new signings have what it takes to make the club make ammends from their near-misses last season.

12-Time FKF Premier League champions Tusker have unveiled the signing of five new players for the start of the 2023/2024 season.

The five players were unveiled at the club’s training base in Ruaraka on Friday morning shortly after the team took part in a friendly match against non-league side Wajiji FC as they continue to prepare for the long season ahead.

James Mwangi and James Kibande have joined from the side’s surprise title rivals last season, Nzoia Sugar.

They have also confirmed the signing of John Byamukama from Ugandan outfit Express FC, as well as Fabian Adikinyi from newly promoted KPL side Murang’a Seal. Goalkeeper Edwin Simiyu has also been promoted from the academy.

Speaking during the unveiling, coach Robert Matano said that the signings were of high character and quality, which will help the side make amends for their near-misses last season, as they lost the title by one point, as well as the FKF Cup final to Kakamega Homeboyz.

He also said that the club needed to move on from the old guard, with experienced duo of Humphrey Mieno and Jackson Macharia among those that decided to leave following the end of their contracts

“ A football club is like going to fish in the ocean. You cannot stay in the waters forever. Youneed to get out. We need another Macharia (Jackson) and another Hum (Humphrey Mieno). We have to give chances to young players," Matano told the press.

“The club also has to grow and we need to grow with them. We cannot be the same throughout. Things change in football and every team changes. Teams are now looking for players below 26 so that they can nurture them. You need the team to grow and be better.

“We are not saying they are bad players. They are good players but their contracts expired and we needed new changes by promoting young players to come to the team.”

Quizzed about whether the club took a risk by letting go of the experienced Humphrey Mieno, Matano insisted that it was he that gave him a chance at Sofapaka in 2009.

“I am the one who brought Humprey (Mieno) to Sofapaka. No one knew Meja (Henry) to Tusker before I did. I also brought Olunga from the school. That is my job. We promote players. Even he (Adikinyi) can play. You cannot play when you are old. You can only play when you are young. As long as he is young, talented and willing to learn, I am there for him.

“We will manage. No player starts when he is old. I also started when I was young. I will not be here forever. I am also nurturing new coaches. There are five coaches learning under me. We have to prepare for the future because I will also leave one day."

Apart from Mieno and Macharia,  Shami Mwinyi, goalkeeper Michael Wanjala, and defenders Kalos Kirenge and Kevin Monyi have all left the club at the end of their contracts.

Also leaving the club is South Sudanese striker David Majak.

Meanwhile, Charles Momanyi and Ugandan forward Deogratious Ojok have both extended their contracts and will stay at Ruaraka for one more year.

In the same breath, Momanyi has been named the new club captain and will be assisted by Brian Bwire and Michael Kibwage.

Speaking during the unveiling of the new players, Tusker FC Head Coach Robert Matano expressed confidence with the new additions to his side, noting the move will strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

“I am delighted by the new players that we have included in the team. I am certain they are the right profile of players we need to take the club’s performance a level higher and hopefully, they can help us win trophies next season. Our next step is now to integrate them into the team, ensuring they understand our playing philosophy and what we are trying to achieve, and I am certain they can move us forward,” said Matano.