Tusker captain Asike completes move to Sweden

Harambee Stars defender Eugine Asike reacts to an injury during their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier Group E match against Uganda Cranes at Nyayo National Stadium on September 2, 2021. [Stafford Ondego,Standard]

Tusker captain Eugene Asike has signed for Swedish third side IF Karlstad Fotboll.

The defending champions on Monday confirmed the development as they thanked Asike for his commitment towards helping the club perform better.

“We would like to confirm that skipper Eugene Asike has left the club following the positive talks on a move to Swedish side IF Karlstad Fotboll,” said the club.

Asike has had two different stints with Tusker FC over the last six years, winning two Premier League titles, one FKF Cup title and was named as defender of the year last season as the team captain.

“We thank Eugene for his services to the club. He has been a loyal servant and a dedicated player since when he first moved here and we are happy for his progress. He has diligently led this squad as captain over the last three seasons and we truly appreciate his dedication,” said club chairman Dan Aduda.

“We wish him all the best in his new journey and hope that he will continue his success there.”

The defender joins the side on a one and half year contract and will be tasked with helping the team make their way up the Swedish tiers to the top flight, something that he says he is ready to give his best to help the team achieve.

Asike’s last match for Tusker was the FKF Premier League tie against Vihiga Bullets in Nairobi where he unfortunately picked up an injury on his nose that required a minor surgery.

He has since returned to full training and picked up fitness, before completing the move to Sweden.

As he leaves the country for a new adventure in Sweden, Eugene Asike has paid tribute to the club, having served in two different stints over the last six years.

 “I have had a good time at Tusker over the last six years. There have been ups and downs but looking back, the good memories overwhelm the bad memories. I have had a good time at the club and developed as a player. Being given the captaincy also gave me more responsibilities and I want to say thank you to the entire Tusker family.”

“Looking back, 2016 was a good year because we won the double, but for me last season was the best for me. Leading the team to the title as a captain and also being named as the defender of the tear was the highlight of my time here at Tusker,” said Asike.

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