Tusker FC assistant captain Michael Kibwage believes his return from injury has come at the perfect time as the Ruaraka-based club pushes for another FKF Premier League title.Tusker, alongside Kenya Police and Gor Mahia, are locked in a fierce title race with 11 matches remaining in the season.The Brewers currently sit second on the 20-team log with 41 points, just one behind leaders Police, thanks to their impressive run before the turn of the year.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780466##Despite bouncing back from a rocky start to the season, Charles Okere’s side suffered a setback when they lost one of their defensive stalwarts during a league clash against Posta Rangers, a match they won 3-1.Kibwage, a former AFC Leopards defender, was sidelined for three months, paving the way for former Zoo FC defender Alex Onchwari to step up in his absence.Now, with medical clearance and a return to first-team training, the ex-KCB captain is determined to finally lift the championship in his third season with the Brewers, having finished runners-up in his first two campaigns.“The only downside is that we’ve been drawing games lately. Even in the Cup competition, we were knocked out, losing one chance to play continental football. Now, we have just one shot left, and that’s winning the league title,” Kibwage told the club’s media team in a YouTube interview.The young left-footed centre back determined to shine at Harambee Stars“With 11 matches remaining, we see them as 11 finals. As a team, we’ve regrouped and know what’s at stake. We must win every game and take each match as it comes.”Kibwage also highlighted the return of key players, including James Kibande and Thomas Teka, as a major boost to their title challenge.“The injured players, including myself, are back, and we feel an added energy to push through the season. The entire squad is motivated, and the senior players know this is the moment we are most needed,” he added.“I’ve been here for two seasons, and both times we finished second. Looking at the table, we’re in a promising position. We knew February would be tough, but we’ve learned from it. Moving forward, we just need to win because we’re a step ahead.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8780228##Kibwage emphasized the team’s mindset, stating that they cannot afford to let the title slip away.“We must go in with a winning mentality because every team that faces Tusker tries to make it difficult for us. But we are motivated; we have the full support of the management, the technical bench, and the staff. We cannot let this title slip away—it would undo all the work we’ve put in over the past two years.”The defender also welcomed competition for places in the squad, acknowledging Onchwari’s rise and the battle for a starting spot alongside Teka and captain Charles Momanyi.“I’m happy with Onchwari’s progress, and I always tell him not to let go of his starting spot easily. For me, I’m ready to fight for the team whenever needed, regardless of the position the coach assigns me.”Kenya Police team manager reacts after promotion by National Police Service
