Tusker FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Nairobi City Stars at Machakos Stadium on Saturday in the FKF Premier League. The Brewers, who have not played in a league match for three weeks, are eager to make the most of the extended break, which they hope has given them the chance to refresh and reset ahead of the busy December period.
The extended pause in fixtures has been beneficial for Tusker, providing an opportunity for key players to recover from injuries and rejoin the squad. Among the most notable returns is that of team captain Michael Kibwage, whose leadership and experience have been sorely missed. Kibwage’s absence in previous matches has left a noticeable void, but his return to fitness is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the side.
Head coach Charles Okere has expressed optimism about the team’s readiness, citing the valuable time spent preparing during the break. “We’ve had three weeks to prepare, and the boys are eager to get back on the pitch,” Okere said. Although the team has not played a competitive match recently, they have been involved in a series of friendlies to help evaluate their progress and fine-tune their performance.
Okere acknowledged that the team’s last outing, a 3-2 defeat to league leaders KCB, was disappointing despite a strong performance. The loss highlighted areas where the team needs to improve, particularly in their ability to secure victories in tight matches. “We played well against KCB, but we did not win. That’s something we are looking to change,” said Okere, emphasizing that this match against City Stars is an opportunity to bounce back and get back on track in the league.
Nairobi City Stars will pose a tough challenge for Tusker. The team comes into the match in strong form, having secured two consecutive victories. City Stars’ recent success has them in high spirits, and they will be keen to continue their winning run. Okere is aware of the threat they pose, praising their recent performances and warning that it will be a tough match. “City Stars is a very good team. They have had very good results recently, so it will be a very competitive match,” he noted.
For Tusker, the focus is on capitalizing on their refreshed squad and ensuring that they can perform at their best. The return of Kibwage is seen as a crucial factor, as the captain’s leadership is expected to help stabilize the team both defensively and in organizing attacks. His experience will also be vital in guiding the younger players through what is likely to be a highly competitive and intense encounter.
With the team having had time to recover and re-energize, Okere is hopeful that the break has given the players the mental and physical freshness needed to overcome City Stars and start building momentum for the upcoming fixtures. The Brewers will be keen to climb the FKF Premier League standings and secure a strong finish as they head into the festive period, where matches will come thick and fast.
In terms of tactics, Tusker will likely look to dominate possession and use their strength in attack to break down the City Stars defense. With Kibwage back in the fold, the team can rely on his defensive solidity as well as his leadership in orchestrating the team’s strategy. Okere will also be hoping for contributions from his attacking players, such as Ryan Ogam, who is eyeing the FKF Premier League golden boot this season. Ogam’s form could be pivotal in securing the goals Tusker needs to secure all three points.
Ultimately, the match against City Stars presents Tusker with an important opportunity to restore their confidence and push forward in the league. The break has allowed the team to regroup, and now they must show that they are ready to return to winning ways. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, Tusker will be hoping that their refreshed lineup can steer them to a much-needed victory, providing a solid foundation for the challenges ahead in the FKF Premier League.
