NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 17 – After sealing a long awaited move to 12-time FKF Premier League champions Tusker FC, defender Michael Kibwage is already eying a return to the national team Harambee Stars, after more than a year without competitive football.
A tussle with his immediate former club Sofapaka meant Kibwage, formerly with AFC Leopards and KCB did not play for over a year, as his former employer refused to hand him a release letter after he walked out of the contract following non-payment of part of his sign-on fee.
He has been training with Tusker since early December, and he has now finally sealed his contract, a one-year deal that keeps him at Ruaraka until February 29, 2024.
“It is a great feeling. I have been out for long and I am thankful to come back especially to a big club and champions. I have been welcomed well and I am ready for the task,” said Kibwage.
He added; “Everything happens for a reason. The national team is back and I am also back. I want to redeem myself and get back to the national team. I know that once I start playing, I will do my best because I have been there before and I know what it takes. Just a few games and I will be back.”
The defender will only be eligible to play for the Brewers as from February 27 when the transfer window opens and his availability will be a welcome boost for the brewers who have been struggling defensively since the start of the new year.
The defender says he had been struggling with fitness, but now feels his body is in okay form and is ready to play once the opportunity presents itself.
“I had stayed for a long time without playing and when I first came I struggled a bit because the others had already picked up. But now, I feel at par with everyone and I am ready to play,” said Kibwage.
Tusker are currently sixth in the standings, and they will hope the defender’s arrival will spur their resurgence as the second half of the season starts in March.
