Tusker FC midfielder Hashim Sempala passes the ball during a training session at the Ruaraka Sports Club on September 24, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24 – Ugandan midfielder Hashim Sempala says he is relieved to have returned to Tusker FC after a failed and troubled move to record Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia midway through last season.
Sempala moved to Gor in April from Tusker but despite being in the squad that retained the KPL title and a winner’s medal around his neck, he says he wasn’t settled at the club due to what he termed as instability.
He joined Gor at a time when he was at the top of his game and playing impressively in the middle of the pack but failed to replicate that same form, ending up in limited appearances for K’Ogalo.
“I wasn’t much settled there due to many off field issues and I was very unstable. For a player, once your mind is not settled then there is no way you can play well. It was a tough period for me but I can’t say I regret the move,” Sempala told Capital Sport.
Hashim Sempala in action for Gor Mahia during a tie against Tusker FC. PHOTO/Tusker FC
Reliable sources intimate that the midfielder’s sign on fee is yet to be paid in full while salaries and allowances weren’t flowing smoothly hence his decision to make the sojourn back to Tusker.
“I had to make that decision for my own good because I was not very comfortable there. I like it here because everything is professional, the atmosphere is conducive and also I don’t have problems settling in,” Sempala said.
He added; “I believe I can get back to my best because so far I have started the season well, I am playing and my fitness is improving. There is still a long way to go but I am ready to work on everything and improve,” the Ugandan added.
He moved back to Tusker alongside winger George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo with midfielder Humphrey Mieno also heading back to Tusker after a short sting in Ethiopia with St. George.
Sempala hopes he can brush through the title winning feeling he has come with from Gor, though he says it will be a tough season with many teams competitively able to vie for the coveted crown.
