Kenyan giants Tusker FC have confirmed the signing of three foreign players in a mid-season move aimed at boosting their push in the FKF Premier League.
The Brewers have brought in goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila, left-back Servel Akouala and striker Selasie Bless Akai on short-term contracts running until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The trio is expected to add experience and depth to the squad as Tusker seek to rescue what has been a challenging campaign.
Ndzila and Akouala both hail from Congo Brazzaville, while Akai is a Ghanaian international-level forward.
Tusker chief executive officer Sam Nzau said the club is relying on the players’ experience to help turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season.
“We are delighted to add these three players of international experience to the team and we are confident their presence can ignite improved performances. We have had a difficult season and hopefully we can turn things around in the second leg. We needed to bring in experience to add steel to the squad,” Nzau said.
Player profiles
Goalkeeper Ndzila joins Tusker from Rwandan champions Rayon Sports, while Akouala arrives from Algerian top-flight side US Biskra.
Striker Akai makes the switch from Benin’s Dadje FC, where he finished last season as the club’s top scorer.
The forward has also previously turned out for Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak, one of West Africa’s most decorated clubs.
Speaking after completing his move, Akai said his focus is to help lift Tusker up the table.
“I am delighted to be at Tusker and my ambition is to help the team rise from where it is currently. A striker is expected to score goals and that is my ambition for the team during the time I will be here,” he said.
Ndzila brings vast regional experience to the Brewers. In Rwanda, he also featured for APR FC and represented Congolese champions AS Otoho d’Oyo.
At international level, the goalkeeper represented Congo Brazzaville at the Under-20 stage and remains one of the most decorated shot-stoppers in the region.
He returns to Kenyan football for the second time, having previously faced Gor Mahia during the 2018 continental campaign.
“I have good memories of this place and I want to create more. It is an honour to join Tusker and I am looking forward to helping the team,” Ndzila said.
Ndzila is a two-time Goalkeeper of the Year in the Rwandan Premier League and was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2024.
Left-back Akouala, who is 22, is set to experience East African football for the first time after beginning his professional career in Algeria.
“I am excited to be here and I look forward to the challenge ahead. It is a new country with new challenges, but I look forward to enjoying the journey,” he said.
Focus shifts to Shabana clash
The three new signings trained with the squad on Monday and will be evaluated by the technical bench ahead of Tusker’s weekend league fixture against Shabana FC.
Club officials are hopeful the additions will inject fresh energy into the squad as the Brewers chase consistency and renewed momentum in the second leg of the season.
