Tusker bags young talent with two names

One of the players signed by former Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker in the just closed transfer window used a different name during the registration process.

If you’re not keen you might think that the Brewers shipped a player from across the border but for those who have keen eyes on the Kenyan football, the new shirt number 2 holder at Ruaraka is simply a youthful talent from the country.

While at Muhoroni Youth, where he was very instrumental in 2016, he was known as Paul Muchika, wearing jersey number 12.

When Tusker announced their new players a few days to the closure of pre-season transfer window, he was unveiled as Bonventure Khasabuli, a name he will use in the entire season.

His former Chairman Moses Adagala of Muhoroni Youth, a team which was relegated to the country’s second division league at the end of 2017, says the young lad had no National Identity card by the time he was joining the Awasi-based club and that they used a name which was on his Birth Certificate.

“The player had not attained the age of getting the National Identity card so we stuck to what was on the Birth Certificate. We know him as Paul Muchika,” he said.

On his part, the defender says Muchika is his father’s name and that his name has been Bonventure ever since, only that it was not captured on Muhoroni Youth jerseys. He explains that he decided to abandon ‘Muchika’ after his dad died last year.

“That’s my name (Bonventure Khasabuli). It is what I have on the ID but I was using my dad’s name during my time at Muhoroni Youth. I had decided to empower my dad’s name at that time. Now that he is no more, I find it necessary to publicize my own name,” he said.

While recalling the ordeal at Muhoroni Youth, the 19-year old is hopeful of a successful season in his career. “Life at Muhoroni Youth was not pleasant and players always suffered. You know the club is not financially stable so players overstrained most of the time-leading to poor performance hence their relegation,” he said.

He adds, “I’m happy to join Tusker and I’m optimistic that I will be of help to the club. My individual objective is to sharpen my skills as I aim higher in this career.”

Tusker assistant coach Francis Baraza also expressed confidence in the young player terming him a ‘super talent’. “Bonventure is a combative defender who is keen on improving day by day. I’m sure he will be the next big name in the country if he stays focused on his career. I also believe he is an asset to Tusker.”