The left-back joined the Brewers on loan from Gor Mahia in August but cannot feature in the continental competition. Gor Mahia had already registered him for the CAF Champions League, and the subsequent loan move to Tusker could not be processed in time to allow him to be listed for the Confederation Cup first preliminary round.
Tusker are due to begin their African campaign on Sunday, 5 September, against Al-Ahli Wad Medani. The first leg is scheduled to take place at a neutral venue, with the return fixture set for the following week in Nairobi.
Siraj’s absence is a setback for coach Julien Mette, who had brought the Harambee Stars international to the club in search of greater defensive options and regular playing time. The defender had struggled for consistent minutes at Gor Mahia and previously spent time on loan at KCB FC earlier in the year.
CAF regulations prevent a player from being registered for two different clubs in the same continental competition window when the parent club has already listed them. As a result, Siraj remains ineligible for Tusker’s opening ties despite the domestic loan being completed.
Tusker earned their place in the Confederation Cup by winning the Mozzart Bet Cup last season. The Brewers will now look to navigate the preliminary round without the services of the experienced full-back as they aim to progress towards the group stage.
The club is expected to rely on other defensive options for the two-legged encounter. Siraj will remain available for domestic fixtures while the continental registration issue runs its course.
The situation highlights the administrative challenges that can arise when players move between clubs that are both involved in CAF competitions during the same season. Tusker will hope to overcome the absence and make a strong start to their return to continental football.