Kenyan defender reflects on challenging start to life in Tanzania
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.04.26. | 14:44
The 25-year-old played a crucial role in Homeboyz’s historic 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup triumph, where they secured their first-ever major silverware after edging Tusker FC 1-0 in the final on 1 July
Former Kakamega Homeboyz defender Brian Eshihanda has opened up on his slow start in front of goal since making the switch to Tanzania.
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The defender attributes his struggles to the competitiveness of the league and the challenge of adapting to a new football culture.
Eshihanda’s departure from Homeboyz in August 2025 marked the end of his contract, which brought to a close a memorable three-year stint with the club.
The 25-year-old played a crucial role in Homeboyz’s historic 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup triumph, where they secured their first-ever major silverware after edging Tusker FC 1-0 in the final on 1 July.
Eshihanda began his career at GDC Nakuru before earning a move to Homeboyz in September 2021. Interestingly, the defender started out as a forward before transitioning into a defensive role, a shift that did little to blunt his attacking instincts.
He quickly built a reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous goal-scoring defenders, consistently posing an aerial threat and contributing vital goals for the Kakamega-based side.
At Homeboyz, he established himself as one of the league’s most dependable players, earning recognition not only for his defensive solidity but also for his attacking output.
Notably, he finished last season as the team’s second top scorer with four goals, helping Abana Beingo secure an impressive third-place finish with 58 points.
However, since completing a move to Pamba Jiji, where he reunited with former Homeboyz head coach Francis Baraza, the defender has found life more challenging.
So far this season, Eshihanda has managed just 11 appearances across all competitions and is yet to find the back of the net, a stark contrast to his goal-scoring exploits in Kenya.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the defender revealed that while he has settled well in his new environment, the transition has not been without its hurdles.
“So far, the season has been good on my side, and nothing much has changed. However, this is a new league with a different culture and structure, which has brought a fresh challenge,” the 25-year-old explained.
He admitted that the intensity and physicality of the Tanzanian league have made it harder to replicate his previous attacking returns.
“Back in the Kenya Premier League, I was known for scoring aerial goals, but here in Tanzania it has been more difficult because the league is highly competitive. Nonetheless, I truly appreciate the management and the technical bench for the trust they have shown in me and for their unwavering support,” he added.
Despite the goal drought, Eshihanda remains optimistic that he will rediscover his scoring touch as he continues to adapt to the demands of his new surroundings, with patience and consistency likely to be key in his evolution abroad.