Custodian Brandon Obiero keen to keep his goalkeeping role at Tusker

Head coach Charles Okere gave him the nod ahead of experienced Joseph Ochuka, who lost his place to the latter.

Obiero joined The Brewers last summer from fellow Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks, but had not yet featured in a competitive match until Opondo — Okere’s first choice this season — suffered an injury. The former Vihiga United custodian made his debut for Tusker two weeks ago against Mara Sugar, keeping a clean sheet as Tusker won the match 1–0, courtesy of a goal by Thomas Omole.

Following his superb performance against Mara Sugar, Okere trusted him again, starting him in the next outing against Ulinzi Stars, where he kept yet another clean sheet. Obiero says he always believed his time would come.

“When I joined in the summer, I found coach Okere had already settled on Brian [Opondo], with experienced Ochuka [Joseph] waiting in the wings. I decided to train hard and remain focused because I knew an opportunity would come, and eventually that patience has paid off,” he said.

“When I got the chance against Mara Sugar, I knew this was the moment I had been waiting for. I told myself that if I let this slip I might not get another chance, which is why I gave my all and we won the match while keeping a clean sheet,” he recalled.

“Training with Joseph Ochuka, who has amassed a lot of experience in the top flight, and Opondo, who has even trained with Harambee Stars on two call-ups, has really helped me and made me a better keeper than I was when I joined. The competition between the three of us has made us better — everyone wants to play — and that’s why I’ve always been ready. This healthy competition has brought me to where I am now,” he added.

It’s through these performances that Obiero believes he can become his club’s number one. He says he is ready to work hard to maintain his position and is now targeting 13 clean sheets in the remaining 22 matches.

“Playing regularly and performing at club level will help me market myself, since my dream has been to turn out for the national team. There’s no opportunity with the national team if you’re not playing well at club level. With my target, I’m sure I can hit it if we continue to play as a team,” he stated.

“We need to keep working together because at the end of the day we need to win our matches — that’s the only way to be crowned champions at the end of the season.”

Tusker tactician Charles Okere has also praised Brandon Obiero.

“He has done really well over the last two matches and I am very pleased with his performance. I am happy for him, and now it’s up to him to be consistent. He has made some superb saves that have ensured we don’t concede. This is now a challenge to the other players that once you are given a chance, it’s up to you to make the most of it,” Okere noted.

Besides Migori Youth and Kariobangi Sharks, the former Barding High School alumnus has had stints with Posta Rangers, Talanta, Bidco United, Sony Sugar, and Coast Stima.

After 12 rounds, the 13-time champions sit sixth on the log with 12 points.

Okere’s charges will face the 2009 champions Sofapaka at the Kasarani Annex on Sunday. The match was originally slated for Saturday at the Ulinzi Complex but has since been rescheduled.