Eighteen-year-old defensive midfielder Collins Otieno is among the seven players unveiled by reigning Kenyan champions Tusker ahead of the new Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.Otieno, unlike six of his colleagues was promoted from the youth team in line with the club’s policy of sending outstanding players in the junior side to the senior team.The midfielder who is christened as Kante owing to this body frame that resembles that of the Chelsea midfielder earned the promotion hardly a year ad half in the youth team.Mataaaaaaaaa!!!Hope we shout more of this in the coming season.Karibu nyumbani. pic.twitter.com/iDIOrmWiuq— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 7, 2022 Tusker have in the recent seasons been promoting players from the youth team who have gone on to prove themselves at the top level. Kenyan international Erick Zakayo, Jimmy Mbugua as well as John Njuguna have all passed through the club’s youth team and have further played for the national U23 team, the Emerging Stars.Having watched the three players successfully graduate from the youth and transition to the senior team, Otieno who draws inspiration from Apollo Otieno is hoping to follow suit.“I am happy to have joined the senior team after spending the last one and half years in the junior team. I have seen players from the youth team make themselves a name in the league and I am hoping to join the list of players who have transitioned successfully. I can’t wait to feature for the club in the league in the new season,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_6624805##Apart from Otieno, the Brewers unveiled the trio of Boniface Onyango, Tom Teka and Eric Mata who joined the club from Kariobangi Sharks. Brian Opondo, Erick Otieno and David Odoyo were acquired from Bidco United, Wazito and Green Commandos respectively.Commenting on the new arsenals, coach Robert Matano said their chances of winning the third consecutive league title were high given the quality they will inject in the playing unit.Kakamega Homeboyz to axe colorless midfielder acquired from UgandaThe veteran tactician said he was forced to sign half a dozen players to plug in the gap left by those who had left for greener pastures as well as those who ran out their deals.He said the departure of title-winning skipper Eugene Asike and Chrsitopher Oruchum necessitated the acquisition of Teka and Onyango from Sharks.Next up joining the Brewers, Tom Teka, a tough tackling defender from Kariobangi Sharks. pic.twitter.com/MlKWlZXqtP— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 7, 2022 He tipped Mata to fill in the gap left by Boniface Muchiri who joined Ulinzi Stars with Erick Otieno and Opondo adding depth in the forward and goalkeeping departments respectively.“We would like to welcome the new players to this great club. This is part of our strategy to strengthen the team as we head to the new season as we look to retain the Premier League title once more. We have made sure to strengthen all departments within the team including goalkeeping, midfield, and attack positions. We expect the league to be more competitive this coming season as we have seen other teams strengthening their squads as well. These players have been carefully selected and will therefore ensure we remain competitive throughout the season,” said the former Sofapaka boss.
