Tusker FC midfielder Fabian Adikiny has revealed the personal inspiration behind his decision to switch his jersey number from 16 to 8 ahead of the new season.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAdikiny, who played a pivotal role in the Brewers' successful campaign last season, has opted for the number eight jersey, which holds special significance for him because of his father, Sammy Class.The team’s new signing, Talena Ochieng, has since taken over Adikiny’s former number 16 jersey. Ochieng has openly described Adikiny as his role model, making the jersey particularly memorable.Gor Mahia coach reveals blueprint for Pyramids test in CAF Champions LeagueFor Adikiny, however, the decision to wear number eight goes beyond football.“Eight is my dad’s lucky number. He inspired me to play football, and eight is the number he started playing with. He is my role model and has always pushed me to become the best version of myself. My lovely mum has also played a big role in supporting me,” the talented midfielder told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930417##Just like his name, Class was one of Kenya’s respected midfielders during his playing days. Although he never earned a senior national team call-up, he featured prominently for several clubs during his career.He began his career with Kericho All Stars before moving to Kisumu Breweries and later Green Berets.Green Berets, based in Ruiru and associated with the Kenya Prisons Service, featured in the top tier of Kenyan football, the Kenya Premier League, in 1998 before being relegated at the end of the season.Charlton manager hails transfer business involving signing of Harambee Stars midfielderHis father's influence has remained an important part of his own football journey, with the Tusker midfielder now looking to build on an impressive campaign that saw him establish himself as one of the club's key performers.Adikiny emerged as the biggest winner at Tusker’s glamorous End-of-Season Gala Awards after playing a central role in one of the Brewers’ most successful seasons in recent years.He anchored Tusker’s midfield as the club ended a decade-long wait for the Mozzart Bet Cup. The triumph also earned the Brewers a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930459##Reflecting on the campaign, Adikiny admitted that he is yet to fully move on from what he considers the best season of his career so far.“I still haven’t recovered from last season. It was the best season of my career so far, and I’m really proud of what I achieved,” he said.With Tusker now preparing for continental football, Adikiny is determined to replicate, or even surpass, his domestic form on the Confederation Cup stage.Why former Gor Mahia defender will miss Tusker's CAF Confederation Cup opener“I hope to carry last season's performance into the CAF campaign, or even do better. We aim to reach the group stage, and we have had a spectacular preparation so far. As we head into our first match, the mood is very positive. The camp has been electric, and we are in high spirits. We believe we will achieve our objective,” he averred.The midfielder has also had to adjust to training at Tusker’s new facility, but he views the change as part of the demands of being a professional footballer. Tusker moved their training base from Kenyatta University to Mpesa Foundation in Thika.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930456##“As a player, I have had to adapt to training at the new facility. I think that is something that comes naturally with being a footballer. You have to be ready to adapt to different environments and conditions,” he said.Now wearing his father’s lucky number, Adikiny will hope to carry the family inspiration into Tusker’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign as the Brewers target a place in the group stage. They will begin their campaign on Sunday, 5 September, against Sudan's Al-Ahli Madani SC.
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