Africa-Press – Kenya. Tusker FC defender Alex Onchwari has declared the club’s ambition to fight for silverware this season, insisting the Brewers are fully focused on winning the Mozzart Bet Cup and finishing strongly in the league.
The centre-back, who has recently broken into the starting lineup, believes Tusker are building momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Onchwari made his long-awaited debut for Tusker on February 2, 2025, in a goalless draw against KCB FC, marking a significant milestone in his career after months of patience and perseverance.
The towering defender had endured a frustrating seven-month wait following his move from Muhoroni Youth in July 2024, spending 18 consecutive matches on the sidelines before finally earning his opportunity. When the moment arrived, he seized it with composure, playing the full 90 minutes and helping the Brewers secure a clean sheet.
“I waited for my chance, and when it came, I told myself I could not waste it,” said Onchwari. “Every minute I play now is about proving I belong at this level.”
His long-awaited debut earlier this year marked a turning point, as he delivered a composed performance to help the team secure a clean sheet.
“Keeping a clean sheet in my first match gave me confidence,” he said. “It showed me that I can compete and help this team win.”
Tusker’s recent form has been anchored in defensive discipline, with Onchwari emerging as a reliable presence at the back. Head coach Julien Mette has praised the defender’s growth and attitude in training and matches.
“Alex is a player who listens, who learns, and who applies,” said Mette. “That is why he is improving so quickly.”
The French tactician noted that Onchwari’s composure has contributed significantly to the team’s defensive stability.
“He gives us stability,” Mette said. “When you have a defender who reads the game well and stays calm, it lifts the whole team.”
Despite the growing recognition, Onchwari remains focused on collective success rather than individual accolades.
“Football is not about one player,” he said. “As defenders, we work as a unit. When we keep a clean sheet, it belongs to the whole team.”
Tusker have shifted their attention to the Mozzart Bet Cup, where they have advanced to the quarter-finals and are targeting a first domestic cup title since 2016.
“We know what the Mozzart Bet Cup means,” said Onchwari. “It is a chance to win a trophy and represent Kenya in Africa. That is a big motivation for us.”
The defender emphasised the importance of restoring the club’s winning culture.
“This club has a history of winning,” he said. “We want to bring that feeling back. We want to give the fans something to celebrate.”
Coach Mette has also underlined the importance of the competition, describing it as a key objective for the team this season.
“The cup is very important for us,” said Mette. “It is not just about winning matches—it is about building a winning mentality.”
Tusker have shown resilience in knockout fixtures, relying on tactical discipline and defensive organisation to progress.
“In knockout football, you must be disciplined,” Mette said. “One mistake can cost you everything, so we are preparing the players mentally and tactically.”
In the Kenyan Premier League, Tusker remain in the top half of the table and are determined to finish the season strongly despite inconsistency earlier in the campaign.
“Beating Gor Mahia showed what we are capable of,” said Onchwari, referring to their recent win over Gor Mahia. “If we stay focused, we can finish the season strongly.”
He believes consistency will be key in the remaining fixtures. “We have quality in this squad,” Onchwari continued. “Now it is about maintaining high standards in every match.”
Mette echoed those sentiments, insisting there is still much to play for in the closing stages of the season. “There are still important matches to play,” he said. “We want to finish as high as possible and carry momentum into next season.”
Onchwari is also motivated by the prospect of earning a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars, but insists his immediate focus remains on club performance. “Playing for Harambee Stars is a dream for every player,” he said. “But I know it starts with performing well for my club.”
He added that consistency and hard work will be crucial in achieving that goal. “If I keep working hard and improving, the chance will come,” he said. “I just have to stay ready.”
With Tusker competing on multiple fronts, Onchwari believes the squad is heading in the right direction. “We are building something strong here,” he said. “The goal is clear—win matches, win trophies, and make this club proud.”
Mette remains confident that the team can deliver on its ambitions. “We want to compete for everything,” he said. “And with players like Alex stepping up, we are on the right path.”
