Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano has revealed the reason defender Eugine Asike is back at the Ruaraka-based FKF Premier League side.

The 29-year-old Asike left the Brewers in the middle of last season to sign for Swedish side IF Karlstad Fotboll. However, despite putting pen to paper on a six-month contract with the side, Asike, returned to re-join the Brewers and was named on the matchday squad as they battled to a 1-1 Premier League draw against Kariobangi Sharks at Ruaraka grounds on Saturday.

Queried to explain the transfer, 59-year-old Matano said it was necessitated by the fact he was working to bring balance into the team as they challenge for titles this campaign. “As you know Tusker is challenging for titles and we can achieve our target with experienced players on our side, we needed someone, who can guide the new players and we decided to bring in Asike,” said Matano, adding: “Furthermore, Asike fits the bill very well because he has been with us before, he understands our philosophies, the demands of the club, and he was available, so it was an easy decision to make.”

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Matano continued: “It is going to be a marathon season and so we also needed to balance our team, we have to find the balance between the senior players and new players and this will help build cohesion in the squad, the arrival of Asike will help us in that, he will also guide these young players.”

Speaking on making his return to Tusker in a previous interview, Asike explained his decision to leave Sweden by saying: “I made the decision to come back to Tusker because I have a few contractual issues with my club in Sweden,” said Asike, adding: “I only felt the only way to keep myself busy and with get enough game time is to return home and rejoin Tusker as the issue is being sorted out.”

Tusker kicked off their season with a 1-0 victory against Bandari away in Mombasa before settling for a 1-1 draw against Sharks on Saturday.