Boost for Tusker as striker returns from injury

FKF Premier League giants Tusker FC have been handed a major boost after striker Ibrahim Joshua resumed training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday after a lengthy layoff following knee surgery.

The Tanzanian international had an interrupted 2022–23 campaign. He got injured on the first day of the season against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium, and his several comeback attempts proved futile. He last played for the club in February.

In June, he was forced to undergo a minor knee operation that ruled him out of the remaining matches of last season and also denied him a chance to feature in Tanzania’s AFCON qualifier matches.

On Tuesday, the club released a video showing the player training with the rest of the group for the first time ever. Although it was his first kick of the ball in a while with the rest of the group, he looked sharp, and coach Robert Matano will be hoping that he does not suffer any setbacks in his recovery.

The return is a big boost for Tusker, who visibly missed his services last year before narrowly losing the league title to Gor Mahia on the final day. Although he is probably a couple of weeks away from playing, he is a welcomed addition to Matano’s arsenal.

With Joshua nearing his full return, he gives coach Matano a selection headache as he now has five strikers at his disposal. Deogratious Ojok appears to be the first choice at the moment, with new acquisition Erick Kapaito also in contention. Other strikers in the team are Eric Otieno and Eric Mmata. The pair struggled last season, and they will be hoping to bounce back this campaign despite the increase in competition for playtime at the club.

The club recently received a boost when Daniel Sakari resumed training after around two months out with an unspecified injury. The international break is also a big boost for the two players, as it gives them more time to work towards their comeback.

After the international break, Tusker FC will travel to Kakamega to play the Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium. The match will be played on September 16.

Former AFC Leopards Youth skipper makes return in Muhoroni colours