At some point in the 2021/22 Kenyan Premier League (KPL), Tusker was in an odd position and looked like a mockery of a team that was defending the title.

Then, the team was placed two rungs below the middle stage with their fans apprehensive as to whether the bottlers shall successfully a stab at the diadem once more.

But fast forward as the battle in the top tier league intensified, Tusker rose from the dead in a big fashion and is now among the teams chasing for the silverware for good measure.

Placed sixth in the chart with 30 points, Tusker will face Sofapaka at Kasarani Annex on Friday at the resumption of the league that had taken a break last weekend.

 For Tusker, a win will catapult them to the second position that is currently being occupied by Nairobi City who have 32 points to their name thus far.

On the other hand, victory for Sofapaka who are currently perched in the tenth position with 24 points will push them to the seventh position in the log thus dislodging FC Talanta.

Back to Tusker, the team’s latest sensation Shami Kibwana has made it clear that he is not in the team to make up numbers but rather to plunder goals to help the team to reclaim the title.

After scoring his fourth goal of the season in the 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars last weekend, Kibwana says he yearns to keep working and adding more numbers to his game.

Speaking to the team’s official portal, Kibwana says he is happy that he has made better steps compared to last season, though he reckons he can still do more.

“It feels great and it is some good motivation for me because if I reflect on my performance lat the end of the first leg last season,  I only had one goal and had lots of injuries.

But now that I’m scoring, it’s a challenge for me to try and do better.  I must say more is to come,” said Shami. Kibwana who is increasingly growing into a box to box striker says he wants to do more to get more consistent playing time.

Patience and dynamics

“Football is about patience and dynamics. When you sit out, you have to support those who are starting and keep working for your chance. When it comes, grab it with both hands,” Kibwana says.

In the match against Sofapaka , the forward says the team expects a tougher test and has urged his teammates to maintain consistency and ensure they bag another three points on the road.

“We must respect them because definitely they will come hard and will not accept to lose a second time. For us we must ensure we have consistency and push harder. We know the incentive of winning is moving higher in the table and that is what we are after. We started the season badly but now there is cohesion and the confidence in the team is really high,” he added.