Sofapaka captain Michael Kibwage has set ambitions to winning the league title with his side in the near future.
The 23-year old signed for Batoto ba Mungu in last season from KCB and was named captain of the side who are currently 11th in the FKF Premier League table.
The center back believes that the current team has what it takes to lift the FKF PL title.
He recalls his early playing days but the 2016 Kenya Premier League Under 20 tournament opened up doors for him.
Kibgwage was spotted by AFC Leopards while playing for Kakamega Homeboyz and it was then that his star began to shine
Kibwage got recruited into Kakamega Homeboyz under 20 side team after being scouted by coach Gilbert Silebwa and proceeded on to turn out for the team in three consecutive KPL under 20 championships.
Upon the conclusion of 2016 KPL Under 20 championship edition, AFC Leopards coach Stewart Hall signed Kibwage at AFC Leopards on a two-year contract.
“I had an outstanding display in the third edition of the KPL under 20 champions and upon conclusion, I had several offers on the table, but the Leopards deal was more lucrative. Negotiations would take place and upon agreement, I inked my first professional contract at the den.”
“I had a fair spell while with Leopards, though my first season wasn’t a good one I managed to work my way up in the second season. It’s during my last season at the Den when the Kenya Commercial Bank football club sought my services. A deal by the bankers proved way so lucrative and it was near impossible to turn down the offer. I joined the bankers at the start of 2019 where I served the club for two years before joining my current employer,” he tells Sofapaka media.
“Joining the club was a tough decision to make because my then employer KCB offer and that which was tabled were both lucrative but one thing stood out the club’s title ambitions. This was the deal-breaker and equally a huge exposure to attract more offers out of the country. Not forgetting coach John Baraza who equally played a role in convincing me to join the club ”
Tusker FC coach Robert Matano has had an impact on many local footballers and Kibwage says, the experienced gaffer gave him the much needed boost in kick starting his pro football career.
“I earned my debut game in 2017 playing against Tusker Football Club at the Nyayo National Stadium. Though deployed in a not-so-familiar position I felt so elated to play my very first match at the top level and to crown it all we won the encounter 1-0. I must appreciate coach Matano for handing me my first game and subsequently playing an active role in my development.”
“My journey has been a good one, have been able to win a personalized award being named under 20 KPL championship best defender, winning the GoTV shield cup while at AFC Leopards.”
The South B born defender already has 10 national team caps under his belt and is currently the Under23 captain.
“My journey to the National team has been a steady one. The growth has been immense getting to represent the country is such an honor and privilege. I played my first match against Swaziland under coach Sebastian Migne, and afterward have played a couple of matches for the Harambee Stars. The national team is a different level and one has to remain at their best all times, have gained a lot and I feel ready to command a starting role in the team.”
” It has been such an honor, to be honest leading the rest of the teams in all levels of my career. I clearly can’t describe it all but I believe it is not ordinary as well. I feel it’s a calling and affirmation that entirely I was born a natural leader. My latest capacity at the team was such a huge surprise because I never expected is that this my first year at the club.”
“My desire as a player is to win the FKF-Premier League title, grace the CAF Champions League tournament, and represent the country at the National team,” he concludes.