Five players who have overcome setbacks to hit top form again in FKF Premier League

In life and in football, they say what truly matters is how you bounce back from tough times, not how many times you fall.

Just like anyone else, even the best football players face setbacks – maybe from injuries, loss of form, or other reasons.

While some manage to come back stronger, others struggle to regain their peak performance.

Today, Mozzart Sport highlights players in the FKF Premier League who have turned their fortunes around this season, showing resilience and performing at their best once again.

Brian Musa (Posta Rangers)

Musa is having his best season yet with Posta Rangers, and it's not surprising that many FKF Premier League clubs wanted to sign him in January. He's become a key player in Posta's midfield, helping them to second place in the league standings.

Musa is strong defensively and often starts attacks for Posta from deep positions. It's no wonder that the club turned down transfer offers from other teams in January.

Musa started his top-flight career with Wazito, where English coach Stewart Hall valued him highly and built the team around him. However, Musa's journey to success hasn't been easy.

He's had recurring injuries that have held him back in the past, but this year has been different. He's proven his talent on the field when he's been fit and not sidelined with injuries.

Kevin Omondi (Gor Mahia)

In 2018, a promising newcomer named Omondi emerged as the 2nd runner in the Kenya Premier League Golden Glove category, signaling a bright future ahead for him as a goalkeeper.

However, over the next four years, his career hit a rough patch. Initially joining Wazito, he found himself relegated to the bench after just a few matches. A move to Sofapaka offered little improvement as his playing time remained limited.

In August 2023, Omondi switched to Gor Mahia, where he was slated to serve as the backup for last season's Golden Glove winner, Gad Mathews.

"What happened is a thing of the past": Omala on failed move to Algeria

However, an injury to Mathews thrust Omondi into the spotlight, and he hasn't looked back since.

Establishing himself as the club's top-choice goalkeeper, he currently leads the league in clean sheets with 15 to his name.

Despite Mathews' attempts to regain his position, Omondi's resilience and determination have kept him firmly entrenched as the club's number one, illustrating a remarkable comeback story in the face of adversity.

Michael Kibwage (Tusker FC)

The central defender endured a year-long freeze due to a contractual dispute with his former club, Sofapaka.

Despite his rapid rise from making his KPL debut to representing Kenya's U23 and senior teams within two years, he found himself relegated to obscurity.

FKFPL Week 22 Review: Marauding Leopards caged, Shabana stinged as K'Ogalo bounce back

Upon the expiration of his contract with Batoto ba Mungu in January 2023, he joined Tusker after weeks of trials, initially as a backup defender.

However, it didn't take long for the Kenyan international to establish himself in the starting lineup, becoming an indispensable part of Tusker's defense. He now serves as the de facto captain, with Charles Momanyi struggling to reclaim his position on the team.

Despite receiving several offers, both domestic and international, he chose to extend his contract with Tusker until the end of the season. However, it seems likely that he will depart the club for greener pastures thereafter.

Aziz Okaka (AFC Leopards)

His signing stirred up controversy within Ingwe's ranks for two key reasons.

Firstly, he had been absent from club football for over a year, leading many to question his suitability for a rebuilding Leopards.

Secondly, there was skepticism surrounding his role as a right-back, considering his primary position as a forward.

AFC Leopards coach attributes draw against Kakamega Homeboyz to internal problems

However, Okaka has silenced his critics by delivering impressive performances for Ingwe.

It comes as no surprise that coach Tomas Trucha has designated him as the team's first-choice right-back.

He has demonstrated solid defensive skills and, in attack, has formed a strong partnership with his brother, Jaffari Owiti. Okaka has ultimately won over his doubters, proving himself by overcoming initial criticism upon his return to the den before the season commenced.

Tito Okello (Kenya Police FC)

The South Sudanese international made his debut for the law enforcers at the beginning of the season after transferring from the Iranian club, Paykan.

His acquisition sparked criticism for two main reasons. Firstly, he faced difficulties during his tenure in Iran, managing to score only one goal.

Game at a time approach: Tusker midfielder reveals secret behind team's resurgence

Secondly, his two-year spell with Gor Mahia before moving to Iran was marked by numerous missed goal-scoring opportunities rather than goals scored.

Despite these initial challenges, he has now netted eight league goals, trailing only behind Benson Omala who has scored 10 goals.

The forward seems to be thriving under the guidance of coach Salim Babu and he is winning the hearts of his critics.