Tusker FC defender Alex Onchwari might be set for one massive career switch up, if he manages to help his team clinch the Kenyan Premier League title.
Onchwari suffered relegation from the top tier with Muhoroni Youth at the end of last season, but his standout performances caught the eye of 12-time champions Tusker who signed him in.
Even with the move from Muhoroni to Tusker, playing time was not guaranteed as he was coming in to a backline that was endowed with talent.
Skipper Charles Momanyi had formed a solid partnership with Mike Kibwage, and on the sides, Tom Teka was also a formidable replacement. For Onchwari, he was coming in more or less like a fourth choice centre back.
However, the 24-year-old stopper waded through the tough period watching from the bench and sometimes the terraces, knowing that one day his chance will come.
His opportunity finally came; an injury to first Kibwage, then Teka, meant he was the only available central defender to partner captain Momanyi.
While Tusker’s head coach Charles Okere had other options including playing new signing Dennis Iguma at the heart of defense, the youthful tactician took the risk and gave an opportunity to the untested Onchwari, who made his debut against title-chasing KCB, a tough and high profile encounter.
And, Onchwari didn’t put a foot wrong. He marked his debut with a clean sheet, seven months after joining the team. He went on to play a crucial role as Tusker clinched clean sheets against champions Gor Mahia and league leaders Police FC.
His performances have now made him irreplaceable, and even with Teka’s return to full fitness, he has maintained his role.
Onchwari has exclusively spoken to Telecomasia.net on his journey to the top, his desire to win the league, and remain a permanent figure in Tusker’s line up.
- It is not easy for anyone to wait for seven months for his debut. How difficult was this for you?
- Honestly sometimes it is very tough for any footballer. If you train hard every day and the chance doesn’t come forth, you might be tempted to give up and put your guard down. But for me, I always knew that my chance will come. I worked hard every day in training and kept myself ready. You would rather be prepared and miss a chance than get a chance when you are not prepared.
- Personally, how was the emotion when you were handed a chance to start against KCB, for your first ever Tusker FC competitive match?
- It was so emotional, I won’t lie. I felt great because I knew my hard work was about to pay out. It was unfortunate we couldn’t win because that is always my first target. But the consolation was that as a team, we kept a clean sheet and that is always the joy for any defender when your team doesn’t concede. For me it was a landmark day, almost a dream come true because I had really waited for the chance.
- How did you motivate yourself to ensure you kept yourself grounded?
- I have been through such moments in my career before and I always know that patience is key. The coaches also kept encouraging me and telling me my chance will come and I was convinced one day an opportunity will arise. I told myself the day I will get a chance, I will not let it go. I am glad so far with how things are going and for me that is a challenge to even work harder to maintain my position.
- You suffered relegation with Muhoroni last year, and this year, you might become a champion with Tusker as they are firmly in the title race. Is this an inspiration?
- Definitely it is. I have never won a major title in my career and that is what drives me. I was very dejected when Muhoroni was relegated last season and our efforts to survive were futile. But when I came to Tusker, it gave me a new lease of life. I knew that this was a high pressure team with demands and they always fight for trophies. It was a challenge for me and now that I can play a role in it, I want to give my very best. It would be my joy to hold a trophy at the end of the season.
- Your performances have definitely caught the eyes of many and possibly national team selectors. Would it be a massive honour for you if you got a call for the upcoming FIFA window?
- A national team call up is any player’s dream and if I get the chance, I would grab it with both hands. But at the moment, I am not putting that too much into my mind. My job currently is to give the best for my team Tusker and ensure we chase for our targets, Whatever comes out of it is okay and out of my hands. I know that the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) is coming up and I would be delighted to fight for a chance to be in the team.
- There are 12 games left in the Premier League for Tusker, and you guys are also in the second round of the FKF Cup. Is the double dream a reality?
- Definitely 100 percent yes. We have the ability to challenge for both. Leaders Police are above us with one point and we are well in the title race. We just need to play smart for the remaining games. We had a very tough run of fixtures in March and we picked a point in all but for the remaining 12 games, we have to go all out and win.
For the Cup, it is a match at a time. Now we are into the round of 32 and our focus is on winning and moving up. The focus is there and the players have it behind their minds that as a team we are going for both trophies.
