Matano: Tusker must show determination to retain title
By Joel Sang, June 20, 2023Tusker head coach Robert Matano has called on his players to remain composed as the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title race tightens.
The Brewers are second on the table behind Gor Mahia and face a real challenge as they try to fight and retain the title. The Ruaraka-based side is back-to-back league champions and could make it three in a row if they edge K’Ogalo.
Mental strength
“Mental strength and concentration are crucial. The players should not burden themselves with unnecessary pressure.
“They must stay composed and perform their duties as normal. As champions, we must rise to the occasion, remain focused, and show determination to retain our trophy. Although it won’t be easy, our sole focus is on defending the title,” Matano said.
Tusker lost the top spot after they were defeated at Muhoroni Stadium by struggling Wazito FC, and Matano is confident in the ability of his players to deliver.
“The Tusker that I know is back. It is about mental strength and concentration, and we should not put ourselves under pressure.
“Players have realized the need to restore their image. They have displayed strength, and I’ve witnessed improvements in their training sessions. The true Tusker spirit has resurfaced, and we are ready,” he added.
The 34th round of Premier League action resumed in midweek, and Tusker will host Posta Rangers at Ruaraka Stadium.
“Posta Rangers are a stubborn team, but we will play to win. Against Wazito, we did not play according to how we practised, but we also got some injuries that disorganized us,” Matano warned.
The Brewers are not only focused on the league race; they have also set their sights on the 2023 FKF Cup final against Kakamega Homeboyz and know very well that they stand a huge chance of winning a ticket to CAF football next season.
Should they retain the league title, Tusker will represent Kenya in the Champions League, and a win in the cup final will hand them a ticket to the Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia will entertain Kakamega Homeboyz at Kasarani, while Nzoia Sugar, who have a mathematical chance of winning the Premier League, will host KCB at Sudi Stadium. The Bungoma side needs to win all its matches and would wish that Tusker and Gor Mahia lose all their games.
Mathare United will find themselves relegated if they are beaten by Ulinzi Stars at Kasarani. The Slum Boys have no other option but to win if they are to maintain their top-flight status again.
Vihiga United have already been relegated, and the fight to avoid the drop is now between Wazito and Mathare.
Elsewhere, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Talanta mounted a comeback to share points with Nairobi City Stars following a 2-2 draw at Kasarani Annex.
Kevin Etemesi scored for the Simba wa Nairobi as December Kisakah and Danson Mumo found the back of the net for the home side.
The comeback proved that Talanta’s recent good form has not been a fluke. The Ken Kenyatta-coached side has not been beaten in the last five games and is safe from relegation.
FKF Premier League Wednesday, June 21, 2023 fixtures
AFC Leopards vs Sofapaka (Nyayo Stadium, 3 pm)
Nzoia Sugar vs KCB (Sudi Stadium, 3 pm)
Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars (Kasarani Annex, 3:15 pm)
Bidco vs Wazito (Kasarani Annex, 1 pm)
Gor Mahia vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Kasarani, 3 pm)
Bandari vs Kariobangi Sharks (Mbaraki Grounds, 3 pm)
Tusker vs Posta Rangers (Ruaraka Grounds, 3 pm)
Kenya Police vs Vihiga Bullets (Kasarani Main Stadium, 3 pm)