Tusker FC’s start to the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season has been marked by inconsistency, raising concerns for interim head coach Charles Okere. Following a 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars, Okere emphasized the need for consistency if the Brewers hope to stay competitive in the title race. With nine points from six games, Tusker’s mixed performances have left fans and the coaching staff frustrated.
The latest draw, held at Police Sacco Stadium, demonstrated some of the challenges Tusker is facing. They took the lead through captain Charles Momanyi’s 40th-minute header, a well-executed finish from a Shaphan Siwa corner, marking Siwa’s fourth assist of the season. Tusker almost doubled their lead before halftime when another effort from Momanyi missed the target, followed by a long-range strike from George Kaddu that was narrowly deflected over the crossbar. Despite a promising first half, their intensity dropped after the break, allowing Ulinzi Stars to equalize early in the second half through debutant Brian Kafero, who pounced on a deflected cross.
Tusker made offensive changes, bringing in John Njuguna and Jacob Onyango, in an attempt to reclaim the lead. Onyango’s long-distance strike was saved by Ulinzi’s goalkeeper, frustrating their attempts to find a winner. The result reflected a recurring pattern in Tusker’s season so far – promising starts that fizzle out in the latter stages, leaving them unable to secure all three points in matches they dominate.
Okere expressed his frustration with the team’s inability to close out games, pointing to psychological lapses and missed chances as critical areas of concern. He highlighted the need to build resilience and composure, especially when holding a lead. The coach warned that every opponent brings their best against Tusker, making it imperative for his side to develop a “champion’s character” if they hope to contend for the title.
Inconsistency has plagued Tusker since the beginning of the season. They opened their campaign with a victory over Sofapaka but faltered in their next game, losing to Kariobangi Sharks. Draws against Kakamega Homeboyz and Kenya Police followed, indicating struggles to maintain momentum. Despite a 3-1 win over FC Talanta, the inability to convert winnable matches into victories, as seen in the Ulinzi draw, remains a major concern.
Okere believes that the key to success lies in refining the team’s finishing ability. He noted that missed scoring opportunities drain the players’ energy and erode their confidence. While Tusker’s gameplay in the first half against Ulinzi was controlled and disciplined, the dip in intensity after halftime mirrored a trend that Okere is determined to address before it costs them further points.
The Brewers are coming off a season where they finished second in the league standings, collecting 65 points, narrowly missing out on the title to perennial rivals Gor Mahia. As one of the main challengers to Gor Mahia this season, Tusker cannot afford to drop unnecessary points. Okere has acknowledged that their margin for error is slim and that the team must remain focused if they are to stay in the hunt for the title. With Gor Mahia starting strong, setting an early tone in the rivalry, Tusker’s challenge will be to keep pace and close the gap in the standings.
Okere pointed out that the psychological aspect of the game will play a significant role in his team’s development. He emphasized that conceding goals shortly after scoring is a recurring issue that reflects a lack of concentration and mental sharpness. This aspect of the game will be a key focus in their preparations for upcoming matches.
The road ahead for Tusker presents opportunities to turn things around, but it won’t be easy. Their next fixture is against KCB, a team they dominated last season with back-to-back wins, keeping clean sheets in both encounters. However, KCB has started the season in fine form, remaining unbeaten, and will present a stern test for Okere’s side. Tusker must capitalize on these opportunities to gather momentum and build confidence for the rest of the campaign.
For Tusker, achieving consistency will be essential to maintaining their challenge for the title. While their defensive performances have shown promise, the team must improve in converting scoring chances and sustaining their intensity for the entire 90 minutes. Okere’s focus on refining these aspects reflects a desire to instill the kind of mentality that champions require. Every point matters, and Tusker can’t afford to let their rivals pull away in the standings.
The Brewers know all too well the importance of putting together a string of positive results. They have seen firsthand how missed opportunities can derail a title campaign, as was the case last season. If Tusker wants to take the next step and dethrone Gor Mahia, they must rise to the challenge in every match, treating each fixture with the urgency and precision required to accumulate maximum points.
As Okere works to address the team’s shortcomings, he is also looking to ensure that his players remain mentally ready for the battles ahead. The coach believes that psychological readiness is just as crucial as tactical preparation, especially in a league where every team is motivated to perform at its best against title contenders like Tusker. His message to the players is clear: every game matters, and there is no room for complacency.
Tusker’s ability to adapt and improve in the coming weeks will determine whether they can remain in the title race. With Gor Mahia already setting the pace, the Brewers must step up if they are to keep their championship ambitions alive. The clash against KCB offers a chance to regain momentum, but it will require a complete performance from Okere’s side one that showcases the consistency and resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
As the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) gears up for its presidential elections on December 7, 2024, aspirant Sam Ochola has Read more
Here is a 1,800-word analysis of the ongoing criticism surrounding Harambee Stars' head coach, Engin Firat, and his impact on Read more
In Kabale, Uganda, a football rivalry turned deadly after an Arsenal Football Club supporter fatally stabbed a Manchester United fan. Read more
In a stunning showcase of speed and determination, Julien Alfred emerged as the Best Female Athlete of the Paris 2024 Read more
Letsile Tebogo, a young athlete from Botswana, recently took the world by storm at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His phenomenal Read more
Francis Kahiro has quickly become a central figure in Kenyan Premier League football since his return to KCB, delivering impressive Read more