Tusker stars told to 'sober up' and challenge for KPL title next season

Tusker FC have assured their fanbase that they have enough tools to mount a strong league title challenge next season, following a major squad overhaul that has seen the Brewers assemble a team capable of competing for domestic and continental honours.

Having secured Kenya's slot in the CAF Confederation Cup after lifting the FKF Cup last season, Tusker head coach Julien Mette said the club has already begun strengthening the squad with management's backing, with sights firmly set on league title after placing fourth in the 2025/26 campaign.

Tusker FC’s standout acquisition ahead of the 2026/27 campaign is the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma on a one-year contract from Remo Stars.

Mbaoma, who scored 14 league goals last season, is the first major addition as the club gears up for the CAF Confederation Cup and the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

The club has also retained its core by extending the contracts of midfielder Fabian Adikiny and forward Ian Simiyu, with both players signing new two-year deals that will keep them at Ruaraka until 2028.

"We want to build a squad with the quality needed to compete for trophies. The recruitment process has already started, and we are bringing in players who can help us achieve our ambitions both locally and in Africa. A club of Tusker's stature can't finish ninth in the League and sit pretty, we must make a major overhaul and have players who can help us achieve our target," said Mette.

"I did not come all the way from France as a tourist but i came here to coach and win trophies and this is our target next season and we are going to make our fanbase and the sponsor happy," he added.

His sentiments were echoed by club Chairman Charles Gacheru, who revealed that recruitment process has begun and soon the new recruits will be unveiled to the fans, before the club starts its preparations for next season..

"We are serious in the business this time round, first recruit is a striker, Victor Chukuemeka Mbaoka, who finished as the top scorer in the recently concluded Nigerian Premier League”

“We are strengthening all the departments and i am glad we have tied down Crispine Erambo and Fabian Adikiny. We are assembling both experienced and budding players and the latter is the future of our club", said Gicheru.

The announcements were made during the club's annual Gala Awards held on Thursday night, where outstanding performers from the 2025/26 season were recognised.

Midfielder Fabian 'Barthez' Adikiny emerged as the club's Player of the Season following an impressive debut campaign.

The former Murang'a SEAL featured in 30 Premier League matches and five FKF Cup games, scoring once while playing a key role in Tusker's successful season.

“I worked hard on and off the pitch and finally it has paid off. I want to thank my mother who was there always to push me and through her effort and encouragements I am here today. I also want to thank my teammates for helping me achieve this, were it not for them I would not have made it alone," revealed Adikiny.

Striker Eric Kapaito walked away with the Top Scorer Award after netting six league goals and adding two more in the FKF Cup.

Kapaito made 35 league appearances and was instrumental in leading the Brewers' attack throughout the campaign.

New signing Ian Simiyu was named Forward of the Season after a remarkable first season at the club. The attacker was also named the FKF Cup Most Valuable Player, Midfielder of the Tournament and Man of the Match in the final against Kenya Police FC, where his brace secured Tusker's cup triumph.

Veteran centre-back Charles Momanyi claimed the Defender of the Season award after making 31 league appearances and five FKF Cup outings, while also providing one assist during the season.

“I am not going to sleep because the other defenders will want to win it next season to it will propel me to working hard and it will have a positive side of  it because the competition will make the team better and even competitive for the upcoming CAF assignment because our target is to perform better”, said Charles Momanyi.

Goalkeeper Pavel Ndhila was recognised with the Golden Glove Award following his consistency in the tail end of the campaign between the posts.

The Goal of the Season award went to Tanzanian midfielder Ibrahim Joshua, whose spectacular volley against Kakamega Homeboyz in the League was voted the best goal of the campaign. Joshua scored four league goals and added one in the FKF Cup in his second stint.

Former Kariobangi Sharks defender Thomas Teka Omenda received the Most Disciplined Player Award after featuring in 23 league matches and three Cup fixtures without disciplinary issues.

His colleague at the centre-back Francis Oduor was named the Most Improved Player of the Season. The defender, who joined from Bidco United, made 12 league appearances and two Cup outings, scoring once as he established himself in the squad.

Meanwhile, promising defender Eugene Ikutwa was voted Young Player of the Season after an encouraging breakthrough campaign that saw him make 18 league appearances.

The annual awards celebrated Tusker's achievements in a successful 2025/26 season, with players and technical staff recognised for their contributions to the club's performances across domestic competitions.

Tusker will now shift their focus to preparations for the new season, with expectations high as the Brewers target both Premier League title and a strong campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.