Wanga, Wahome honoured as Tusker beat title war drum

With a first Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title since 2012 in sight, Tusker FC boss Paul Nkata has declared his team is not on top of the standings by chance as they seek to complete the domestic double by clinching the GOtv Shield Cup as well.

On Friday, the 10-time league champions and third most decorated Kenyan club in history honoured striker, Allan Wanga and defender Lloyd Wahome as the Players of the Month for August and September.

They will play National Super League side, KCB FC on Saturday in a Shield semi final at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru aiming to punch their ticket for the decider.

“I said when I came to Tusker that I wanted to win the league, or another trophy. With five matches to the end we are still top because our focus has not been interrupted.

“I will win the league and I will not allow my team to play Gor Mahia in the last match of the season level on points. The match will be just a formality,” the former Muhoroni Youth FC coach charged as he beat the title war drum.

“We are keen to maintain the gap between us and Gor until at least the second last match,” he added with his team enjoying a four-point gap with 48 from 25 with five games left.

Wanga, who rejoined the 10-time champions in June won the August award while Lloyd Wahome was honoured as the club’s best for September with each taking home Ksh50,000.

The forward who won the title with the Brewers in 2007 attributed his sparkling performance to the support he has received from his teammates.

“I felt home from the first day I returned. I knew I was brought back to play a certain role especially this season and I’m glad I am doing something notable,” the much travelled striker who has played for Petro Atletico of Luanda, FC Baku in Azerbaijan, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai in Vietnam, Al-Merreikh of Sudan, Tanzanian giants Azam FC and AFC Leopards expressed.

Wahome said the recognition was a motivation as the league enters the homestretch.

“I was not expecting this because everyone is giving his best in the team. I thank all the team members and dedicate it to them. We all feel rejuvinated,” the stopper remarked.

Paul Onyera, who played in the club in between 1983 and 2002 challenged the players to maintain the focus, noting it is not over until the last match is played.

“In Tusker, generations have left a legacy and you are almost there too. You can’t afford to let it go at this moment.

“It takes time to build a team that bonds in and out of the pitch. Make sure you exploit the team spirit you are enjoying to seal the double,” the former Kenyan international added.

Captain James Situma expressed confidence the Brewers will lift the league, calling for concentration.

“In this squad only three players have won the league, so winning it will be a major thing for the club and individuals.

“We can’t let it go having come this far, whatever we need to do to get it provided it’s within the rules of the game, we shall do,” he emphasised.

The 2009 league winner with Sofapaka congratulated his teammates, saying discipline has been key to the success thus far.

Tusker will play Bandari FC, Nairobi City Stars FC, Sony Sugar, AFC Leopards and Gor in their remaining league fixtures.