Tusker’s Balecho targets maiden league title

Tusker FC's new signing Eric Naaman Balecho says he is ready to increase his assists tally and rope-in double digit-goals as he targets to win his first Premier League title with the Brewers. 

Balecho, is among the seven new signings that the Ruaraka-based team has made so far, and parting ways with eleven players including head coach Robert Matano whose contract expired at the end of last season.

 The winger was one of SEAL’s best players last season attracting interest from a number of clubs including last season’s second runners-up Kenya Police and Nairobi City Stars. 

However, it is Tusker that eventually won the race for his signature and he now wants to ensure that his new employers become successful again following their back-to-back first runners-up finishes in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

 The 24-year-old right wing attacker, who agreed to join the former champions on a one-year contract, is expected to make his debut on 26th August, 2024 when the Brewers will be facing Bandari in the new season’s opener.

"The move is a dream come true though it has happened very fast, but I am looking forward to starting to play for my club as soon as possible and make them champions again," he expressed.

Having started his career at Mt. Kenya University, he says he is ready to work with the new coach Charles Okere and become a regular in a team that he believes will experience stiff competition amongst players

"Everybody (in Mikindani, Mombasa) 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," said Balecho.

With Tusker out of the Country for pre-season build-ups in Uganda, the former Cheza Sports Academy graduate says he is now focusing on settling in his new club, adding that in the last couple of days he has been with the Brewers, he has found a cliché about players who are helping him in settling.

"Chris Erambo, Captain Michael Kibwage, John Njuguna, Joseph Mwangi 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 stated.

The winger joined the Murang’a-based club in 2020 from Mt. Kenya University who were plying their trade in the Division II League then, and he was a key to SEAL’s promotion to the top flight in 2022/23 before they ensured a top flight safety last season.

 Besides Balecho, Tusker have roped-in other six players; goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka from Bandari FC, Eric Balecho from Murang’a SEAL, two Ugandan imports George Kaddu from Wakiso Giants [Uganda] and Boban Zirintusa from Biashara FC [Tanzania], Jacob Onyango and Dennis Wanjala both from Sofapaka, and Teddy Dok from Tusker Youth.

Several players were also released and they include striker Eric Kapaito, Daniel Sakari, Brian Bwire, Eric Zakayo, Stewart Omondi, Collins Otieno, Jimmy Mbugua, Eugene Asike, Boniface Onyango, Eric Otieno and Ibrahim Joshua