A year and seven months after his memorable howler in a 2022 World Cup qualifiers match-up against Uganda – one that saw Kenya give away a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 – Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Bwire was reinstated back to the Kenyan national team fold by head coach Engin Firat all in preparation for the upcoming Four Nations tournament scheduled for in .A determined man would be an understatement to Bwire’s mindset at the moment, him openly embracing the challenge that lays ahead.##NAJAVA_MECA_7298495##“I thank God for another opportunity,” Bwire said of his call-up. “I am really grateful that after a great season, I have managed to convince the national team head coach and I feel ready for the challenge.”Bwire – after an entire season of playing second fiddle to another Kenyan international goalkeeper in Patrick Matasi – finally got his opportunity to start for his club earlier this year following Matasi’s exit to Kenya Police in the mid-season transfer window.Since then, the former Kariobangi Sharks goalie has grown to be a dependable figure for The Brewers and thinks that could be a proper launch-pad for him ahead of international football.13 games, 12 clean sheets, one goal conceded. Brian Bwire. 👏#KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life | @TuskerLager | @EABL_PLC pic.twitter.com/OrxxEApPcW— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) May 29, 2023 “One big difference between then and now is that I feel more ready,” he said. “For some moments last time I felt nervous and unable to calmly handle the pressure. This is me in my best situation now.”Asked about turning the narrative around him after the Uganda match, the keeper was assertive saying; “I always strive to do my best. Everyone has their own opinion about my past and that is not something I prefer to dwell on.“At some point you have to move forward. That is what I am all about right now. It was an emotional moment but we are past that.”In the last eight matches in all competitions, he has kept seven clean sheets for Tusker – a decent run of form that saw the side remain at the summit of the FKF Premier League before a 2-1 weekend loss to Wazito turned the tables and saw them drop to second position behind leaders Gor Mahia and with only two games to play till the end of the season.How Wanyama and Origi helped Bwire overcome depression after Uganda howler“My dream has always been to be part of a winning team,” Bwire said of the significance of Tusker winning the league. “Last season I didn’t play enough. This year I have been a regular and just the thought of clinching the title and the Mozzart Bet Cup title is something I would want to achieve.”Tusker next play Posta Rangers and Vihiga Bullets in the last two games of the season with a cup final fixture against Kakamega Homeboyz on the cards.
