Tusker ace Oguta keen to nail a starting berth

The midfielder, who joined the Ruaraka-based club during the mid-season transfer but could not hit the ground running as anticipated due to administrative issues surrounding his transfer, is now free to feature for last season’s runners-up after getting the nod from the federation.

He was expected to make his debut against Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday, April 30, 2024, in the FKF Cup against holders Kakamega Homeboyz but failed to make the bench.

"There were issues surrounding my transfer, and this has delayed my debut, though its behind us now, I am looking forward to starting to play for my club as soon as possible," he expressed optimism.

"I was cleared to join Tusker a week before our FKF Cup match, and having been training with the team, I expected to get some minutes against Kakamega Homeboyz, but it did not happen, but I was going to be patient and focused," he added.

Having started his career with Teens of Hope in Busia County, the 20-year-old says he has a significant number of players in the village looking up to him as their role model; thus, he works hard to show them the way.

"Everybody (in Nambale) knows I have joined Tusker, which is a big club in the country, so I have to work hard to increase my work rate so that I can start playing regularly.

“It’s essential for them and me," said Oguta.

He says that in the last ninety days, he has been with the Brewers, he has found a cliché about players who have helped him settle in.

"Chris Erambo, Michael Kibwage, and Michael Oduor are among the players who have supported me since I joined this team, and I am learning a lot from them.

“Their experience will make me a better player for the team," he said.

The former Nambale High School student says he is aware of the challenges ahead of him as far as getting a first-team spot, for he has to compete and outshine the experienced midfielders such as Chris Erambo, Siwa Shaphan, John Njuguna, Joseph Mwangi, and Teddy Osok. Still, he is determined to work his way to a starting berth.

With Tusker out of Cup competitions, the focus now shifts to the Premier League, which has 10 more matches to the end of the season; Oguta is adamant that he will make his debut for the 13-time Kenyan Champions before the 2023/2024 season is over.