Tusker’s Michael Kibwage hopes to return to the national squad after three years away.Kibwage last played for the Harambee Stars in 2021, shortly before the global governing body, FIFA, banned Kenya from international competition on February 25, 2022.In November 2021, Fifa suspended Kenya after then-Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for misusing funds.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269443##Following the FIFA suspension, the tusker assistant captain was embroiled in yet another extraordinary contract dispute with his then-club, Sofapaka FC, over a pay issue.Kibwage did not play for over a year due to a struggle with the one-time league winners, as his former employer refused to provide him with a release letter after he walked out of the contract after failing to pay a portion of his sign-on fee.Nonetheless, the ex-AFC Leopards centre-back returned to competitive action with Tusker FC in February 2023, having completed the remainder of his contract dispute with Sofapaka.The former Kenya U23 defender now hopes to return to the national team after a brief but impressive return to form at Tusker.Firat optimistic ahead of AFCON qualifiers despite stadia shame”After missing out on playing for the Harambee Stars for three years, I now feel more prepared and determined to return to the national squad. My decision to join Tusker was one of the greatest I’ve made, and I believe I’m in good shape to represent the country,” said the former KCB captain.Kibwage made his senior national team debut in 2019 under Francis Kimanzi, and he has 10 caps to date.The former Kakamega Homeboyz U-20 player will want to impress coach Engin Firat and play for the Harambee stars ahead of the national team’s busy schedule for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”If I can carry on from last season’s performance into the new campaign, then I’m certain I will be able to impress the national team coach and hopefully be part of the team for the AFCON and World Cup qualifier matches,” said the laid-back defender.Mozzart Sport writers best athlete of Paris 2024 Olympics
