Africa-Press – Kenya. Tusker FC skipper Charles Momanyi has insisted the FKF Premier League title chase remains anyone’s to grab, boldly declaring that the Brewers still have what it takes to mount a stunning charge and upset the established order.
Despite sitting eighth in the standings with 28 points — 12 behind table-toppers Gor Mahia — the experienced centre-back is refusing to wave the white flag.
Instead, he is preaching belief inside the Ruaraka dressing room, convinced that momentum can quickly tilt the balance in a campaign that has already served up its fair share of twists.
For Momanyi, the gap is not a mountain too high to climb. “The league is still open,” he said. “Twelve points may look big, but in football, things change very fast. One good run and you are back in the conversation.”
The Brewers have endured an inconsistent spell this season, dropping points in matches they would ordinarily expect to control. Yet their captain remains adamant that the team’s potential has not diminished.
“We know we have not been at our best in some games,” Momanyi admitted. “But we also know the quality we have in this squad. When we click, we are capable of beating anyone.”
In January, the 31-year-old defender reaffirmed his loyalty to Tusker by signing a fresh one-year extension — the second time he has renewed his commitment since swapping Gor Mahia for the Brewers in 2021. That decision, he says, was driven by more than just professional obligation.
“It is a great honour for me to continue this journey with Tusker FC. This club has become home, and I am proud of what we have accomplished so far. However, I believe we still have work to do. Last season did not end the way we had envisioned, and as a leader, I feel responsible to push even harder and help deliver success,” said Momanyi.
Since arriving from record champions Gor Mahia, Momanyi has developed into a pillar at the heart of Tusker’s defence. His commanding presence, aerial strength and organisational skills have turned him into one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division.
Looking back at the 2024/25 campaign, his importance was beyond dispute. He featured in 33 of a possible 34 league matches, anchoring a backline that powered Tusker into serious title contention before they narrowly fell short. “Missing out on the title hurt,” he confessed. “We were so close, and that pain has stayed with us.”
It is that lingering disappointment that fuels his determination. “That is why I felt I could not walk away,” he explained. “There is unfinished business here, and I want to be part of writing a better ending.”
Head coach Charles Okere has frequently pointed to Momanyi as the heartbeat of the squad. The tactician recently emphasised that the veteran’s influence extends well beyond the touchline.
“Momanyi is more than just a captain. He is a true leader and mentor to the younger players. His presence in the dressing room and on the pitch is invaluable. Having him commit to the club for another year is a big boost to our ambitions,” said Okere.
For Momanyi, leadership is not about wearing the armband — it is about setting standards. “As captain, you must lead by example every single day,” he said. “It is not just about talking. It is about training hard, staying disciplined and showing the younger players what it means to fight for this badge.”
He believes Tusker’s blend of youth and experience can be a decisive weapon in the run-in. “We have talented young players who are hungry to prove themselves,” Momanyi noted. “My role is to guide them and make sure they stay focused when the pressure rises.”
A former Harambee Stars defender and part of the squad that lifted the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, Momanyi draws on continental experience to steady his teammates during turbulent moments.
“Big competitions teach you resilience,” he said. “You learn that setbacks are part of the journey. What matters is how you respond.”
That resilience, he insists, will define Tusker’s season. “We can’t afford to look too far ahead,” he added. “We have to take it match by match and build consistency.”
The Brewers’ immediate focus, according to their captain, is rediscovering defensive solidity — an area that has historically been their foundation. “When we are solid at the back, everything else falls into place,” Momanyi explained. “Clean sheets give confidence to the whole team.”
And while Gor Mahia and other title contenders continue to set the pace, Momanyi is certain the script has not yet been written.
“No one should rule us out,” he declared. “This is football. Surprises happen when people least expect them.”
He also believes supporters have a crucial role to play as the campaign intensifies. “Our fans have stood by us,” he said. “We need their energy now more than ever. When they believe, we believe even more.”
For the towering defender, this season represents more than just a quest for silverware — it is about legacy.
“I want to leave this club better than I found it,” Momanyi concluded. “Winning the title would mean everything, not just for me but for every player and supporter who has invested their heart in Tusker.”
With belief burning in their captain’s words and unfinished business driving their ambitions, Tusker may yet script a dramatic late surge in a title race that, as Momanyi insists, remains far from settled.
