Sharks defender Sakari eyes Champions League glory with Tusker

Kenyan international and Kariobangi Sharks right fullback Daniel Sakari is convinced that his timely move to Tusker will afford him a rare opportunity to bask in the Confederation of African Football Champions League glory.

The brewers have plunged vast resources into the transfer market to bolster their squad after securing a slot to fly the country's flag in the continental showpiece, and Sakari is among the big local guns coach Robert Matano has roped in.

Other players reportedly on Tusker's radar are AFC Leopards' marksman Elvis Rupia and fleet-footed Gor Mahia offensive midfielder Clifton Miheso.

In a candid interview with the Star on Wednesday, Sakari shed some light on his speculated move to the Ruaraka-based side, saying it was already in the public domain and what remains is the formalisation of the deal.

“It’s true I’m in advanced talks with Tusker for a transfer deal and a meeting had been scheduled to chat the way forward,” said Sakari. “I’ve already recovered fully from the injury that kept me away from FKF-PL matches.” 

The Kariobangi Sharks defender shot into the limelight after a splendid outing with the national team, Harambee Stars, both in Nairobi where they held the much-fancied Pharaohs of Egypt to a one-all draw and in Lome where they stunned Togo 2-1.

And despite another tempting offer to ply trade for a Turkish top-flight outfit, Sakari chose to remain at home.

“I actually had quite a number of offers from local and foreign clubs including one in the Turkish top tier. However, I believe entering a deal with Tusker is the best decision I’ve made do far,” he said.

Sakari, 22, spent his formative years in Webuye, Bungoma County.

The last born in a family of three boys and three girls, Sakari never had it easy playing football in his childhood because his parents uncompromisingly laid emphasis on academics.

"My parents couldn't allow it. I only engaged in football as a pastime activity. My parents believed in education," Sakari said.

Deep inside him, though, he knew he was cut out for football and would grab the slightest opportunity at his disposal to participate in the game he so much loved.

His exceptional performance in his KCPE exams at Milo Central Academy in Webuye secured him a slot at the coveted Maseno School where his football journey kicked off properly.

He sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and proceeded to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology where he enrolled for a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics with a bias in statistics and pure mathematics.

In 2018, he successfully tried out for Kakamega-based National Super League side Green Commandos and his ability convinced the team's tacticians, Brendan Mwinamo and Eliud Omukuya, to absorb him immediately for the season.

His stay at the NSL side was short-lived as Kakamega Homeboyz, then under Paul Nkata, snapped him a few months later.

In 2019, his educational pursuits landed him in Nairobi and an opportunity to join Kariobangi Sharks came knocking.