Tusker FC assistant captain Mike Kibwage has opened up about the heartbreak of missing out on the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title in the 2022-23 season, a disappointment that still haunts the team. The Brewers, who had been on a strong run in the league, ended up finishing just one point behind Gor Mahia, leaving Kibwage and his teammates devastated after coming so close to securing the title.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Kibwage admitted that Tusker’s failure to clinch the title was largely due to careless dropped points throughout the season. “It was a very sad moment for the entire team because the effort we put in to ensure we won three titles in a row did not bear fruit. At the same time, we had a chance of winning both the Premier League and the FKF Cup, but at the end of the season, we did not take anything home,” Kibwage explained.
The pain of missing out on the league title was compounded by the fact that Tusker had been in a strong position for much of the season. However, a few costly losses proved to be the difference. In particular, a 2-1 defeat to Gor Mahia on February 8, 2023, followed by a 1-0 loss to Nzoia Sugar on April 22, 2023, were pivotal moments that ultimately handed the title to Gor Mahia. Kibwage believes that those losses were key in determining the outcome of the title race, as they undermined Tusker’s chances of maintaining the consistency needed to secure the championship.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, Kibwage and his teammates are determined to learn from the mistakes of the previous campaign. Tusker is using the experience as motivation to stay focused and avoid repeating the same errors. “Chasing two titles made us run out of gas. Nonetheless, we are in another season whereby once again we still have a chance of redeeming ourselves in both the League and in the Cup competition. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and we are fully focused on ensuring the title remains in our hands this time,” Kibwage stated.
Tusker’s current form has been promising, with the team sitting second in the FKFPL standings, only trailing Police FC by goal difference. Police FC has been in excellent form, having won eight of their last nine matches to top the table with 33 points. Despite this, Tusker is confident that they can build on their recent performances and mount a serious challenge for the title in the second half of the season.
One of the key factors in Tusker’s strong performance this season has been the form of striker Ryan Ogam, who is currently in the race for the league’s top scorer award. Ogam has been in sensational form, having scored 15 goals so far, and his contributions will be vital if Tusker is to challenge for the title. The Brewers are also looking to improve their consistency, especially in the second half of the season, which Kibwage believes will be crucial in deciding the league winner.
Kibwage emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience, noting that the second half of the season often plays a decisive role in the title race. He pointed out that in the previous season, Tusker’s inability to maintain their form in the latter stages of the campaign cost them dearly. This time around, the team is determined to avoid any slip-ups and ensure they remain in contention for the league title.
Looking ahead, Tusker’s next challenge comes on January 25, when they face a rejuvenated Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Complex. Ulinzi, who have shown signs of improvement this season, will provide a tough test for Tusker as they look to continue their strong run of form. The match is one of three fixtures scheduled for the day, and Kibwage and his teammates will be eager to build on their recent successes and keep their title hopes alive.
In conclusion, the 2022-23 season remains a painful memory for Tusker FC, but the team is determined to use the experience as fuel for their title challenge in the current campaign. With a renewed focus on consistency, the leadership of Kibwage, and the goal-scoring prowess of Ogam, Tusker is poised to make a serious push for the FKFPL title and redeem themselves after last season’s disappointment.
