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Experienced center-back Charles Momanyi has been appointed the new Tusker FC captain in changes rung out by the club ahead of the new season.
Momanyi, who plied trade for record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia before settling at Ruaraka, inherits the armband from seasoned midfielder Humphrey Mieno who announced his departure last week.
He will be deputised by goalkeeper Brian Bwire who was acquired from Kenyan Premier League rivals Kariobangi Sharks two years ago.
Bwire proved his mettle in the goal-frame, where he stood steadfast for the better part of the season after successfully stepping into the shoes of Patrick Matasi who switched allegiance to Kenya Police FC.
Tusker head coach Robert Matano expressed confidence in his new lieutenants, saying they possessed inherent leadership skills that can steer the squad to new heights.
“Momanyi is an experienced player who has a strong presence on the pitch and a natural ability to guide his teammates. I believe we settled on the right person for the job,” Matano said.
“I also have a lot of confidence in Bwire, whose performance in goal was equally outstanding,” Matano added.
The gaffer also lavished praise on his departing skipper who is among the seven players axed as the club moves to bolster its ranks to reclaim the title surrendered in the preceding season.
“Mieno is a brilliant player, whose immense contribution to the club, will greatly be missed. He played his role brilliantly but we have to allow him to pursue his dreams away from the club,” Matano said. “He should feel always welcome at the club,” Matano added.
Mieno skippered the brewers to a second-place finish in the concluded season, where they wrapped with a solitary point adrift of champions Gor Mahia.
The brewers also narrowly missed out on a ticket to the continental stage after crashing 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz in the finals of the FKF Cup. With the season slated to kick off in a fortnight, Matano has urged his charges to step up their preparations. Matano said the club’s preparations were jolted by the political upheavals witnessed last week.
“We had all our plans for the new season in place as early as last week but our sessions were marred by the political upheavals. We look to recover the lost time this week hoping that we shall not experience another setback.” BY THE STAR