Kenyan Premier League giants Tusker are closing in on the 2020-2021 Most Valuable Player Erick Kapaito.
The sensational forward, who also bagged the Golden Boot in the same season, confirmed he is in talks with the 12-time topflight champions.
“I am in the middle of talks with Tusker and a deal seems likely. But nothing is conclusive just yet,” Kapaito said in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
Kapaito said he is eager to embrace the local stage after plying trade for an Ethiopian outfit for the last two seasons.
“It feels exciting to return to KPL after two seasons away and I look forward to an amazing season, if the deal materialises,” Kapaito.
The Brewers are reportedly keen to acquire the striker on a year-long deal after he snubbed an offer from Zambian Super League side Zanaco, who had curiously listed him as one of their latest signings last week.
The Zambian club unveiled Kapaito alongside immediate former Gor Mahia centre-back Dennis Ng’ang’a.
“There are certain things that we failed to agree on with Zanaco’s management and I decided to cancel the deal,” Kapaito said.
“I met with Zanaco in Zambia and trained with them but things did not go as planned. I was ready to settle down in the country and had even made a lot of friends there but that’s the way it is. No hard feelings and I wish them a successful season,” he continued.
Kapaito’s last competitive engagement was with Ethiopian side Arba Minch, who were relegated to the second tier in the preceding season.
“I couldn’t extend my contract with Arba Minch since Ethiopian laws prohibit lower-tier clubs from signing foreigners,” Kapaito said.
The former Kariobangi Sharks’ long-serving captain rose to the limelight after storming the MVP and Golden Boot accolades during the 2021 season where he netted 24 goals.
He replicated the feat during the 2017-2018 season after blasting in 16 goals. He earned his maiden national team call-up in 2021 and featured in Kenya’s 2-1 win over Tanzania in an international friendly encounter staged at the Nyayo Stadium.
Tusker are looking to revamp their squad after losing seven key players including skipper Humphrey Mieno.