NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Tusker FC defender Alex Onchwari might be set for one massive career switch up, if he manages to help his team clinch the Kenyan Premier League title.
Onchwari suffered relegation from the top tier with Muhoroni Youth at the end of last season, but his standout performances caught the eye of 12-time champions Tusker who signed him in.
Even with the move from Muhoroni to Tusker, playing time was not guaranteed as he was coming in to a backline that was endowed with talent.
Skipper Charles Momanyi had formed a solid partnership with Mike Kibwage, and on the sides, Tom Teka was also a formidable replacement. For Onchwari, he was coming in more or less like a fourth choice centre back.
However, the 24-year-old stopper waded through the tough period watching from the bench and sometimes the terraces, knowing that one day his chance will come.
His opportunity finally came; an injury to first Kibwage, then Teka, meant he was the only available central defender to partner captain Momanyi.
And, Onchwari didn’t put a foot wrong. He marked his debut with a clean sheet, seven months after joining the team. He went on to play a crucial role as Tusker clinched clean sheets against champions Gor Mahia and league leaders Police FC.
His performances have now made him irreplaceable, and even with Teka’s return to full fitness, he has maintained his role.
Speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net, Onchwari laid bare his desire to win the league, and remain a permanent figure in Tusker’s line up.
“We have the ability to challenge for both. Leaders Police are above us with one point and we are well in the title race. We just need to play smart for the remaining games. We had a very tough run of fixtures in March and we picked a point in all but for the remaining 12 games, we have to go all out and win,” said the defender.
He added; “For the Cup, it is a match at a time. Now we are into the round of 32 and our focus is on winning and moving up. The focus is there and the players have it behind their minds that as a team we are going for both trophies.”
