Tusker’s Mike Kibwage reveals reason behind their confidence of winning a double next season

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FOOTBALL Tusker’s Mike Kibwage reveals reason behind their confidence of winning a double next season

Joel Omotto 17:54 - 11.08.2023

The defender feels there is a great understanding within the squad which gives them confidence of claiming silverware in 2023-24

Tusker FC defender Mike Kibwage is encouraged by how quickly the new players are gelling with the rest after great progress in their pre-season camp in Tanzania.

The brewers are currently in Moshi, where they played against local side Coastal Union on Thursday, losing 1-0 to Gerald Gwalala’s 21st-minute goal, and will take on Mbuni FC on Saturday.

Kibwage is least concerned with the results and is drawing positives from the encounter which he says has taught them valuable lessons.

“We have conceded from a corner so we go back to the drawing board. We do not want to concede from corners again,” Kibwage told the club’s in-house channel.

“The way we are playing from the back, the confidence has come in early. I did not expect the new players would come in and gel immediately but we are like we have been together for a long time which gives us motivation going forward.

“Right now, we are bonding with the new players we are building an understanding. We know how they want to receive the ball and their movements. It has helped us a lot and we are now together as a team.”

Tusker completed the signings of James Kibande, Fabian Adikinyi, Edwin Simiyu, Ugandan John Byamukama and last season’s 14 goal midfielder Joseph Mwangi from Nzoia Sugar while releasing experienced and influential figures like Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia and Shami Mwinyi Kibwana in a bid to improve their squad ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The brewers endured a tough end to last season, losing the premier League title by just one point, and on the last day to Gor Mahia, before falling 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Cup final.

Robert Matano’s men are, however, keen to right those wrongs in the coming campaign.

“This season, I want us to win something. Last season, I joined in midseason but we kept pushing until the last minute. It did not go the way we expected but this season, we’re all starting from zero. This season we must push to win the league or cup, if possible both,” added Kibwage.

Tusker will begin their campaign away to Bandari FC on August 26.