Shock As Tusker Complete Stunning Move for Former Olympian
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FKF Cup champions Tusker FC have bolstered their ambitious rebuilding project by signing an experienced Ivorian winger Aboubacar Doumbia, adding proven quality to the squad ahead of a demanding 2026/27 domestic and continental campaign.
The 25-year-old arrives from Saudi Arabian First Division League side Al Orobah, becoming the latest acquisition for head coach Julien Mette, who is actively reshaping his squad following an underwhelming FKF Premier League season that saw Tusker finish ninth despite lifting the domestic cup.
The signing marks Tusker’s third major addition of the current transfer window after the arrivals of former Kenya Police FC assistant captain Abud Omar and Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma, MozzartSport reported.
The Ivorian joins the Brewers with experience gained across Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Israel, where he established himself as a quick, direct winger capable of troubling defenders in one-on-one situations.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, he featured for Cypriot side Karmiotissa and previously turned out for Israeli clubs Hapoel Haifa, Maccabi Netanya and Maccabi Petah Tikva, building a reputation as an energetic attacker with the versatility to operate across the front line.
That experience is expected to give Tusker another attacking dimension as Mette assembles a squad capable of competing across multiple competitions next season.
International Experience Adds Quality
Away from club football, the new signing also boasts an impressive international résumé.
He represented Ivory Coast at the 2019 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations before earning a place in the squad that competed at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he faced some of the world’s best emerging football talent.
His performances at youth level also earned him opportunities with Ivory Coast’s Under-20 and Under-23 national teams before eventually making a senior appearance for the Elephants.
Such experience is relatively rare in the FKF Premier League and is likely to strengthen a Tusker side seeking to return to the summit of Kenyan football.
The latest arrival follows the return of defender Abud Omar to Ruaraka nearly a decade after leaving the club, while Nigerian forward Victor Mbaoma was recruited from Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars to boost the Brewers’ striking options.
Together, the trio represents the beginning of what is shaping up to be a completely transformed Tusker squad.
The club has already released 20 players from last season’s team and is expected to bring in up to 19 new signings before the transfer window closes, making it one of the biggest squad overhauls seen in Kenyan football in recent years.
Only a handful of familiar faces remain from last season, with players including Chris Erambo, Eric Kapaito, Eugene Ikutwa, Francis Oduor, Tom Teka, Ian Simiyu and Yakeen Muteheli reporting for the first training session as preparations for the new campaign officially got underway.
Brewers Target Return to the Top
Tusker’s busy transfer activity reflects the scale of the challenge awaiting the club during the upcoming season.
Besides mounting another title challenge in the FKF Premier League, the Brewers will defend the FKF Cup, represent Kenya at the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda and compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The packed fixture schedule demands both quality and depth, two areas the club struggled with during the previous campaign despite ending the season with silverware.
Competition for honours is also expected to be fierce.
Champions Gor Mahia continue to strengthen their squad, AFC Leopards remain active in the transfer market, Kenya Police FC are rebuilding after another impressive campaign, while ambitious newcomers Nairobi United have also invested heavily ahead of their top-flight debut.
Against that backdrop, Tusker’s recruitment drive signals a determination to challenge once again for major honours rather than simply improve on last season’s disappointing league finish.
The changes are not confined to the dressing room.
Head coach Julien Mette is also expected to strengthen his technical bench by bringing in at least one additional member of the coaching staff as the Brewers prepare for one of their busiest seasons in recent years.
Integrating a largely new-look squad within a short pre-season will present its own challenges, but club officials appear confident the fresh arrivals possess the quality and experience needed to quickly adapt to Mette’s style of play.
