Tusker FC have termed their departing skipper Humphrey Mieno a ‘giant’ of the game following the veteran midfielder’s exit from the Robert Matano-coached side last month.
Mieno was among seven players let go by the Brewers following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season when they missed out on the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) by one point before losing the FKF Cup final to Kakamega Homeboyz.
The midfielder has had two stints at Tusker, first joining in 2015 from AFC Leopards, before he left for Gor Mahia and Ethiopian giants St George, but returned in 2019, staying with the Brewers until last month.
“Words will never be enough to say thank you to this great gentleman of the game,” Tusker posted on social media while bidding Mieno farewell.
“A gentle giant on and off the pitch, our skipper Humphrey Mieno leaves the club after the expiry of his contract. We wish our skippo all the best in his new adventure.”
Mieno won back-to-back Premier League titles with Tusker in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before losing last season’s crown by just one point to Gor Mahia on the final day.
One of the best central midfielders in Kenya, Mieno was known for his composure and slick passing, linking defence and attack well, and rarely lost possession.
His style of play has earned him plaudits from observers and fans, including former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who said he reminded him of Ivorian legend Yaya Toure.
“The captain of Tusker FC is a very, very good player. He reminds me of my time in Man City of a player like Yaya Toure. He knows when to play one touch when to dribble, and when to dive into the opponent. He is such a great player to watch and I heard he played for the national team and I am not surprised because he has the quality to be in the national team,” Adebayor told Capital Sport in January this year.
Matano also heaped praise on his captain recently, saying “he is ahead of his time” and it was, therefore, a surprise when he let him go.
“He is always on top of everything, he is ahead of his time. I am happy for him. He is a disciplined player who is very committed. I like him because he is a player who always carries the team,” Matano said in June.
However, given his vast experience, the former Mahakama, KCB and Sofapaka midfielder will not be short suitors especially now that he is a free agent.
