Tusker Promotes youth team duo as preps for new season gain momentum  

Striker David Polepole and defender George Odhiambo have been promoted to the senior team of Kenyan Premier League giants Tusker, from its youth ranks, ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The talented duo has impressed the technical bench with their dedication, skill, and consistency, earning their places among the senior squad after a series of strong performances with the youth side and during recent training sessions with the first team.
Polepole, a commanding presence in attack, has been a key figure in the youth team’s forward line. He has been in sizzling form this season, scoring 15 goals and assisting six. His form saw him included in the senior team squad several times and played in five matches, scoring once and assisting twice. His run was only halted by a stubborn groin injury
Odhiambo, a hard-tackling and commanding defender, has been equally influential. His leadership both on and off the pitch has been the pillar of the Youth Team for the last three seasons, with the last two seeing him lead as captain.
This season, he accumulated good numbers for a central defender, scoring four goals and assisting five. He has also earned call-ups to the senior team thrice.
Commitment to homegrwon talent
Head coach Charles Okere, who previously trained them in the youth team, expressed confidence in the two youngsters, vouching for their success with the seniors.
“David and George have shown great potential and a strong work ethic. They’ve earned this opportunity, and we believe they have what it takes to contribute at the top level,” he said.
“This is what our youth development program is all about, preparing young players to take the next step.”
The promotion of Polepole and Odhiambo underscores Tusker’s continued commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and integrating youth players into the senior team.
Polepole has penned a three-year contract, while Odhiambo has signed for two years.
“As a coaching team, that is always our vision to see these young players take the next step up,” said youth coach Peter Kariuki.
“We are very proud that this year we have promoted two players, and this shows us that we are doing something positive at the youth level.
“This motivates us to try and promote even three or four next season. We are continually committed to providing a good pipeline of players to the senior team.”
Leave a mark
Commenting on his promotion, Polepole said he was “delighted to earn this chance because it is a massive honour.”
“At the start of the season, I had challenged myself to fight for the badge and leave a mark and then see where it leaves me, and I am delighted it ends with me getting a chance in the senior team.”
Odhiambo quipped he “was really motivated last season when I saw my close friend Teddy (Dok) promoted, as well as the previous season with Edu (Edwin Simiyu).
“It showed me that with hard work, it is possible and for the last two seasons, I have been working hard, even doing extra training to ensure that I improve in my game and help the team.”
Agencies