I have no regrets leaving Ingwe: Tusker FC’s Kipyegon reacts
Tusker FC’s new signing Isaac Kipyegon believes he is the answer to the Brewers’ shaky defence that shipped in five goals in the massacre by Zamalek of Egypt in the Africa Champion League.
The former AFC Leopards captain said he is looking forward to playing for Tusker in the CAF Confederation Cup, the second tier continental club competition.
The reigning FKF Premier League champions were “demoted” to the Confed Cup after being knocked out of the Champions League by the Egyptian aristocrats.
“Of course, it is the dream of any player to represent a team in an Africa inter-club event and I want to work really hard to prove that I was a worthy recruitment by my new club.
Tusker is a club with a rich history and I hope to give them good returns,”’ said the highly-rated left centre back.
Kipyegon said he expects a very stiff challenge for a starting place at Tusker but reckons that he will take it head on while striving to give his all in the team under the tutelage of Robert Matano.
“Challenges are always there but I am optimistic that I shall do well. The defensive duties are all about mental and physical energy and I believe I shall attain them if given a starting place,” said the former Zoo Kericho FC man.
Greener pastures
Kipyegon wished Leopards well in their future endeavors.
“It has been a joy playing for Leopards and the support of fans was fantastic but in football you have to seek for greener pastures and that is what I have done. I wish you well my former team all the best.”
Kipyegon’s recruitment by Tusker means that he will have to fight for a starting place with the likes of Danierl Sakari, Hillary Wandera, Kevin Monyi and Jimmy Mbugua.
Tusker were the biggest spenders in the transfer window that closed Monday after landing the signatures of former Kariobangi Sharks in goalkeeper Brian Bwire and defender Sakari, Teddy Osok from Zambian side Kitwe and gloveman Patrick Matasi from St Georges of Ethiopia.
The biggest catch by AFC Leopards is returnee striker Kepha Aswani formerly of Sofapaka.
A journeyman who has previously played for Al Nsr of Oman, Thika United and Nakumatt FC, Aswani returns to the Den after seven years and is touted as a replacement to Elvis Rupia who scored 17 goals for Ingwe last season.
Leopards are rebuilding the team after as they look forward to replacing the majority of their players who parted ways with the cash-strapped team.
League debutants Kenya Police have also been busy signing two players from Zambia’s Nkana FC defender Musa Mohammed and striker Duke Abuya. Police also went for former Gor Mahia players Cliffton Miheso, Duncan Otieno, and John Makwatta.
On their part, Gor were not left behind in the shopping spree as they lured former Leopards duo of Austin Odhiambo and Yusuf Mainge with George “Blackberry” Odhiambo rejoining the Green Army from Tusker.
