End of an era: Mieno leaves Tusker
By Joel Sang, August 2, 2023Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Tusker have confirmed that experienced midfielder Humphrey Mieno has left.
The Ziwani-born star, who has had two stints with Tusker, has left the Ruaraka-based club after serving them for many seasons as well as leading them to the 2022–23 Premier League title as captain.
The local giants have paid a glowing tribute to the midfielder, who they say left after the expiration of his contract.
“Words will never be enough to say thank you to this great gentleman of the game. A gentle giant on and off the pitch, our skipper, Humphrey Mieno, leaves the club after the expiration of his contract.
“We wish our skipper all the best in his new adventure,” Tusker said in a statement.
Loss for Tusker?
Mieno’s exit is the latest to be confirmed by the club, which is on a mission to rebuild its playing unit. However, given the experience, Mieno boasts and his leadership skills, calmness, and aerial prowess, many would see the departure as a blow to Tusker.
The towering midfielder, considered by his peers as a gentle giant, has played for Mahakama, KCB, Sofapaka, Tanzania Premier League side Azam FC, Club Africain of Tunisia, Gor Mahia, St George of Ethiopia, and AFC Leopards before.
Among the several transfers he has made, it was his move from AFC Leopards in 2015 that drew a lot of criticism, especially from Ingwe’s supporters, who saw the move as money-inspired. He was part of the AFC Leopards setup for only seven months.
He went on to make his debut for the 12th-time Premier League champions on February 21, 2015, in a game against Thika United, a side that was relegated from the top-tier in 2018. The game against Thika United ended in a 1-1 draw at Thika Stadium.
More departures
Just recently, the Brewers revealed that Kevin Monyi, another experienced player, and Jackson Macharia, who had been part of the team for seven seasons, had left.
Apart from Macharia, Monyi, and Mieno, Shami Mwinyi, Michael Wanjala, David Majak, and Tanzanian defender Kalos Kirenge have all left the club.
Given the number of players that have left, fans expect to see almost a new outfit next season as they attempt to wrestle the league title from Gor Mahia.
The clearout at the Brewers comes after Robert Matano’s side lost the league title to Gor Mahia on the final day and went on to lose the FKF Cup to Homeboyz, a club now linked with a move for Mieno.
Meanwhile, Charles Momanyi, a former Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeeboyz centre-back who had been linked with a transfer to Shabana, the newly-promoted side to the Premier League, has signed a new contract.