NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano says he feels delighted to have finally found a natural left back after signing Levin Odhiambo from Mathare United.
The brewers were left with limited choices on the left side of defense with the long term injury to Boniface Onyango while Isaac Kipyegon remains suspended from football.
Onyango, signed at the start of the season from Kariobangi Sharks, underwent knee surgery and is not expected to be back at least until May.
Kipyegon was suspended from football by the Football Kenya Federation due to an ongoing match-fixing investigation.
“It is a relief because when you have a natural player in any position, it becomes easy. We have been using players who are not natural left footers in the position and sometimes it’s difficult and you can’t blame a player much when he doesn’t perform there,” said coach Matano.
Tusker have been rotating between Daniel Sakari and Jimmy Mbugua at left back as a temporary solution, but Odhiambo’s arrival offers them reprieve.
Odhiambo joined Mathare at the start of the season and was one of the stand-out players in their revival. He played for Wazito FC last season but missed the last few months due to injury.
“The coach had spoken to me and told me that he needed me to be part of his plans and I was really excited to be joining because I have always dreamt of playing for the biggest teams in Kenya. I am looking forward to give my best,” the left back noted.
He is among only three players that the brewers have brought in during the mid-season transfer window and was unveiled on Tuesday alongside former KCB and Sofapaka winger Michael Oduor.
Oduor left KCB at the end of the first leg and comes in to strengthen Tusker’s forward line.
“I am really delighted to be joining Tusker because they are a big team and they are a team which often fights for the title. I am looking forward to also fight to win something with them,” noted the winger.
He added; “I have been welcomed really well by the rest of the players and it doesn’t feel as though I am new. Hopefully I can make my good contribution to the team and my target is to score at least seven goals and 10 assists.”
