Nzoia Sugar FC’s standout forward Ian Simiyu has confirmed that Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere played a crucial role in his decision to join the club.Mozzart Sport understands that the attacking midfielder has finalized his move to the Brewers, bringing an end to a highly contested transfer saga that has dominated discussions over the past two weeks.Simiyu was among the most sought-after players following an impressive first-leg performance in the National Super League (NSL), where he scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in just 19 appearances.##NAJAVA_MECA_8723285##His remarkable form attracted interest from multiple clubs, both in the second tier and the top flight.Among his options was extending his stay at Nzoia Sugar for another six months or making a move to the Michael Olunga Football Academy. Migori Youth also showed slight interest, while FKF Premier League sides Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars made inquiries.However, it was Shabana and Tusker who fought until the last minute, with the 22-year-old ultimately choosing the Brewers after a decisive conversation with coach Okere.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720335##”I had initially decided to stay at Nzoia for the rest of the season, but I realized my key teammates had already left for other clubs. Then I had a conversation with coach Okere, and that changed everything,” Simiyu told Mozzart Sport.”He told me he wants to build the team around young players. As someone who has worked with Tusker Youth before, I believed in his vision and decided to commit my future to the club.”Tusker confirm exit of midfielder, wins race for NSL top scorer’s signatureTusker seems to have beaten Shabana Fc to the signature of Nzoia’s attacking midfielder, Ian Simiyu.The Brewers convinced the struggling side to let go of their top talisman,and the boy will be a black and yellow. Nzoia has lost a host of top talents, and talks are rife that… pic.twitter.com/sB4aYCPEZ9— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) February 20, 2025 The former St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale star added reasons why he was convinced to change his initial decision to stay at Nzoia Sugar. “The project at Tusker appealed to me. When a coach trusts you and confidently wants you to be part of his long-term plans, it becomes an easy decision. You go where you’re most wanted and where your style fits the system. My style suits Tusker, so it was a no-brainer.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8724773##Simiyu, who has been with Nzoia Sugar since leaving high school, also revealed that he was close to joining Sofapaka in the 2023/2024 season, but the deal fell through.”I had actually joined Sofapaka when coach Salim Babu left, and I was even unveiled as their player. However, they had not finalized my transfer with Nzoia, so I had to return. This window, they never made a concrete move—only some calls in December, but nothing materialized after that.”Gor Mahia keen to warm up for Mashemeji Derby with win over Bidco UnitedThe attacking midfielder, who can also operate as a forward, remains confident that he will continue his impressive scoring form at Tusker.”Fans should expect goals—nothing less! The NSL is tougher than the FKF Premier League, and I believe I will settle in quickly and deliver.”Simiyu becomes the latest player to exit Nzoia Sugar this transfer window, following the departures of Cliff Otieno and Felix Seda, who both joined Mara Sugar.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720320##
