Tusker FC attacking midfielder Joseph Mwangi has provided an assessment of his first year with the Brewers, reflecting on the ups and downs that have characterized his time at the club.Mwangi joined the Ruaraka-based side after an impressive 2022/2023 season with Nzoia Sugar, who have since been relegated to the National Super League.During that season, Mwangi scored 14 goals and provided seven assists, helping Nzoia finish fourth— their highest league position in recent years. His performances attracted interest from various clubs in the country.##NAJAVA_MECA_8324938##Other FKF Premier League clubs went on a shopping spree at the Sugar Millers, a factor that contributed to Nzoia’s relegation last season.Reflecting on his first year with Tusker in an interview with the team’s official website, Mwangi shared: “It has been a tough year for me. I didn’t get much playing time, and that’s what is most important for a player. A player is judged by his current form, not by the past. So, it was a tough year, but I hope to do better this season,” he said.Mwangi found playing time hard to come by and spent much of the season on the bench. At times, he was even left out of the matchday squad altogether.The then-head coach Robert Matano preferred to use Kenyan international Chris Erambo, Fabian Adikiny, Michael Oduor, and occasionally Mike Kibwage in midfield.5 key battles expected in Harambee Stars AFCON qualifier against NamibiaHe admitted that this period was mentally challenging. “It was tough mentally because there were things that lowered my momentum, and I hadn’t yet learned how to deal with them or navigate through such situations.”However, the former Nzoia star says he has now regrouped and is ready for the upcoming campaign. He has also embarked on a personal training program to supplement the team’s regimen.“My mentality has changed since then. I now do what I believe is best for my career, and I follow the coach’s instructions closely to understand what he expects from me. I also do extra work on my own, putting my mind and focus fully into training,” Mwangi added.Mwangi believes his pre-season form was enough to boost his confidence and force his way into interim coach Charles Okere’s starting lineup.“I scored in three of the five games we played in pre-season, which I believe will give me confidence when I get on the pitch,” he stated.Diaspora talents called up to Harambee Stars: What happened next?As the saying goes, falling is not the problem; failing to get up and try again is. Mwangi has vowed to rise and return to his best this season.After scoring just two goals in the entire last campaign—a personal disappointment—he has set ambitious targets for himself.“I will do wonders this season, I must bounce back. Scoring two goals last season was unacceptable by my standards. I’m targeting a minimum of eight goals in the first leg,” Mwangi declared.He also had a message for the team’s loyal fans:“Our fans should expect us to bring home the FKF Premier League trophy by the end of the season,” he concluded.Tusker FC finished second last season, but most significantly, ended the campaign without a trophy—an underachievement by their lofty standards.The club parted ways with long-serving coach Robert Matano, replacing him with Charles Okere, who was previously the head coach of the youth team.Tusker began this season with a win, courtesy of a solitary strike by Erambo, ironically against their former coach Matano who is now in charge of Sofapaka.They will now face Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday 14 September, in match day two as they pursue the FKF Premier League title.
