On Monday evening, immediate former Sofapaka captain Michael Kibwage took many by surprise when he announced that he has initiated the process of terminating his contract with Batoto ba Mungu over unpaid salaries and other issues that he opted not to disclose.The 23-year old who is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the country joined the Ken Odhiambo-led team in October last year from KCB in what was reported to be a big-money move. With Sofapaka, just like many Kenyan clubs struggling financially, things haven’t been rosy for the towering Kenyan defender who has now opted to call it quits.With the player set to be available for a move on the Bosman rule, here at Mozzart Sport we look at FKF Premier League clubs that could swoop for the Kenyan international.Eli Asieche is the new Sofapaka captain, he takes over from George Maelo.New signing Michael Kibwage will serve as one of his assistants.Kibwage is the immediate former KCB captain, he was made captain immediately he joined the Bankers from AFC Leopards.LEADERSHIP pic.twitter.com/Fdy3seAaRO— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) October 26, 2020 Tusker FCEugene Asike seems to be the only Tusker FC central defender assured of his place in the team. Coach Robert Matano has paired him with Rodgers Aloro, Christopher Oruchum, and Vincent Ngesa as he tries to find the best central defense pairing for his team. 21 matches into the season, the Lion continues to alter his pairing, the latest casualty is Aloro whose error against Posta Rangers a fortnight ago resulted to him being dropped and Oruchum recalled from the bleachers.The Brewers could benefit from a player like Michael Kibwage. He is young, strong in the air, and also a leader at the back. Pairing him with an experienced Asike could just be what coach Matano needs to solidify his backline for CAF Champions League football should they secure the ticket on Wednesday.KCB FCWhen Kibwage left KCB last October, the Bankers replaced him with Nashon Alembi who has gone ahead to establish himself as KCB’s first-choice center back and is now part of the national team set-up as well. However, the Bankers seem to be struggling with who to partner Alembi with at the back. Rama Mwenda, veteran Bethuwel Warambo, and even midfielder Harun Thomas have all been fielded at the heart of defense alongside Alembi.KCB are in contention for CAF Champions League football next season and should they secure the ticket, they will need a solid backline lest they end socking up goals at the continental scene. Kibwage is a player who can partner Alembi well and solidify the Banker’s safe and should coach Zedekiah Otieno decide to beef up his rearguard then their former captain is a player he can look at.Happy Birthday to Harambee Stars and KCB centre-back Michael Kibwage. #RadullLive pic.twitter.com/77NgIFz7F3— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) October 1, 2020 AFC Leopards Ingwe is another team that needs to beef up its central defense area. With Robinson Kamura out of favor, and Robert Mudenyu struggling with fitness issues, Clyde Senaji, a midfielder, and Isaac Kipyegon a left-back form coach Patrick Aussem’s first-choice central defense pairing.Kibwage is a player who could walk straight into Ingwe’s backline and partner either of the two makeshift center backs. He is an ex Ingwe player and that could also help with his quick settling back into the team and help tighten that rearguard.Leopards will however have to deal with the transfer embargo slapped on them by FIFA over nonpayment of salaries owed to their former coach Cassa Mbungo and midfielder Vincent Habamahoro.Bench Harun Nyakha (front) and Michael Kibwage head out to warm up during a Leopards league match under Coach Stewart Hall.Nyakha is seen here in his SportPesa All Stars jacket, a member of that season’s 18 man team that traveled to England to play Hull City FC. #footke pic.twitter.com/xoDGIpBDRX— Footballers Of Our Time (@TransferMarktEA) March 27, 2021
