Brian Bwire: The gaffe against Uganda, cyberbullying and dreams of a return to the national team

FKF-Premier League side Tusker custodian Brian Bwire, says he is ready for Harambee Stars recall almost three years after his howler against Uganda in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in November 2021 saw him drop out of the national set up.

Stars were leading 1-0 with a minute to go courtesy Michael Olunga’s headed goal in the 62nd minute at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, Uganda.

In the build-up to the match, Kenya had registered two draws and two losses in the opening four Group E games, and head coach Engin Firat thought he was headed for a first win with Kenya. 

In a surprising turn of events in the 89th minute, an innocuous ball landed in Kenya’s box and in the typical time-wasting act by goalkeepers, the custodian goalkeeper brought the ball down after a chested control, turned to his right, aiming to pick it up before Uganda’s Fahad Bayo closed him down and scored an equalizer.

His effort to cry for a foul did not bear fruits.

Bwire says he almost quit football after he was subjected to online trolls and claims of being a "match fixer".

According to the former Kariobangi Sharks shot-stopper, it is a situation he would hate to experience again in his career.

"While we were still in Uganda, preparing to come home, i saw attacks from fans on social media platforms calling me a match fixer.

“This broke my heart so much. It was painful."

“It is the worst moment I have ever been through my whole career thus far.

“It dragged me to my lowest and to a point that giving up football was all that was on my mind,” said a dejected Bwire.

The 23-year-old says after being turned into a punching bag, it took the hand of former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama and experienced former Kenyan international goalkeeper Arnold Origi to help him fully recover from the ordeal.

“Victor Wanyama reached out to me first, afterwards was Arnold Origi.

“Their encouragement is what helped me during the time. They called me and talked to me about the situation.

“I am really grateful to them as well as some of my family members,” the player revealed.

Since then, Bwire has not donned the National team colors, and the closest he has ever been to the Stars squad was when he was named in the Four-Nations provisional squad but was later dropped, with Firat opting for Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi and Ian Otieno.

"Almost three years later, i am now okay and ready to get back to playing for the national team.

“I have learned in a hard way and if given an opportunity, i would not repeat the same mistake", he told Citizen Digital.

Bwire, who would be a model on the other side of life, is grateful to his coach, Robert 'Lion' Matano for having faith in him for the last two seasons.

"That time, i was playing second fiddle to Rwandan import Emery Mvuyekure, later Matasi (Patrick) took over.

“Playing regularly for Tusker in the last two seasons has helped me earn more experience and work on my confidence that had faded away after Uganda snafu," he underscored.

With the 2023/2024 Premier League title going to Gor Mahia, Bwire says they are targeting to win the remaining three matches to nail their runners-up position, adding that he is aiming to win the golden glove coming next.