Kenyan football club Tusker FC has brought in Brian Olang, a former Kariobangi Sharks and KCB goalkeeper, to train with the team during the international break. This move comes as a result of a knee injury suffered by young goalkeeper John Mark Otieno during training. Otieno, who was promoted to the senior team from Tusker Youth FC in the summer, is set to undergo surgery and will be out for a considerable period.
The injury to Otieno has left Tusker short of goalkeeping options, with Brian Bwire and Perrauld Ndinga away on international duty with Kenya and Congo Brazzaville respectively. Brandon Obiero is currently the only available senior goalkeeper. In response, the club invited Olang to train with the team and support Obiero during the international break. Olang's stint with Tusker is temporary and aims to provide additional cover during this period.
Brian Olang previously played for Kariobangi Sharks and KCB, joining Sharks from KCB in September 2020. During his two-season stay at Sharks, he made six appearances in all competitions before leaving in June 2022 to pursue trials with Egyptian top-flight sides. Olang's return to the top-flight environment now brings him together with several former Sharks teammates, including Bwire, Obiero, and Otieno.
The invitation for Olang also reunites him with familiar faces at Tusker, where he will provide an experienced training option and help support Obiero. For Olang, this opportunity allows him to remain active at a competitive level and train alongside former teammates. Meanwhile, Tusker will be hoping that Otieno's surgery is successful as the young goalkeeper begins his rehabilitation.
Tusker FC is stepping up their preparations for the new Kenyan Premier League season, which has been delayed due to a stalemate over the new season's kick-off. Recently, the team held a friendly match against Murang'a SEAL, securing a 1-0 victory. They also defeated defending champions Gor Mahia 3-2 in a closed-door friendly, with Victor Mbaoma scoring a brace and Eric Kapaito adding the other goal.
In addition to their league preparations, Tusker will face Tanzania's Singida Black Stars in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The first leg will be played in Nairobi on the weekend of October 16–18, with the return leg scheduled to take place in Tanzania. Tusker advanced to this stage after beating Sudan's Al-Ahli Wad Madani 3-2 on aggregate in the first preliminary round.
The Kenyan Premier League season is yet to start, but Tusker FC is actively preparing for the new campaign. With Olang providing temporary cover and support for Obiero, the team aims to navigate the international break effectively. The club's efforts to strengthen their squad and prepare for upcoming matches demonstrate their commitment to a successful season.
Key points
- Tusker FC has invited Brian Olang to train with the team due to a shortage of goalkeeping options caused by injuries and international duties.
