Tusker FC, one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs, is embarking on the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) season with renewed determination and high ambitions. As 12-time champions of the Kenyan Premier League, the Ruaraka-based Brewers are eager to reclaim the league title they last won two seasons ago. With a meticulously revamped squad and extensive pre-season preparations, Tusker FC is setting its sights on a triumphant season, starting with their season opener against Sofapaka FC at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday, August 24.
Strategic Reinforcements and Pre-Season Preparations
To fortify their squad for the upcoming campaign, Tusker FC has made significant moves in the transfer market, bringing in 11 new players who are expected to add depth and quality to the team. The new recruits include a mix of experienced players and promising young talents, spread across all areas of the pitch.
In goal, the team has added Joseph Ochuka, a promising shot-stopper with the potential to become a key figure in Tusker’s defense. The defensive line has been bolstered with the arrivals of Alex Onchwari, George Kaddu, Dennis Wanjala, and Yussuf Mainge, who bring a combination of youth and experience to the backline.
The midfield has been strengthened with the promotion of Teddy Onyango Dok from Tusker’s youth team, signaling the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. In attack, the Brewers have secured the services of 19-year-old Ryan Ogam, seasoned Ugandan striker Boban Zirintusa, Jacob Onyango, and wingers Eric Naaman Balecho and Thomas Omole. This influx of attacking talent is expected to inject creativity and goals into the team.
Tusker’s pre-season preparations have been nothing short of comprehensive. The club held a residential training camp in Uganda for one week at the start of August, where they played three international club friendly matches. Tusker emerged victorious in two of these encounters, defeating Bright Stars and Kitara FC with identical 1-0 scorelines, while drawing 1-1 against Lugazi FC. These results followed a series of successful pre-season friendly matches on home soil, including a 3-0 win over Dandora Combined and a 4-0 thrashing of Vihiga.
Management’s Confidence and New Leadership
The preparations and squad depth leading up to the season opener have fueled optimism within the club, with Kenya Breweries Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressing confidence in the team’s prospects. Ocitti underscored the club’s commitment to supporting Tusker FC, stating, “We are committed to continuing our support to this club and we are sure that we will enjoy more success. They have brought us glory before, and we know they will bring glory again, not just locally but also across the border.”
Tusker FC’s new Head Coach, Charles Okere, who took over the reins ahead of the new season, is equally confident in his charges. Okere has emphasized the importance of a strong start to the season, noting that the players are well aware of the expectations placed on them by the club’s loyal supporters. “The players have shown that they want to win, and that is something that is very motivating to the team. We have received good support from our management in our pre-season preparations, throughout all the six weeks of our pre-season, and we are set to go. Winning the first match will be very important for the whole Tusker family as it will set the mood for our 2024/25 season,” Okere remarked.
Looking Ahead: A Challenging September
After their opening match against Sofapaka FC, Tusker will face a challenging September schedule with fixtures against Kariobangi Sharks, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Kenya Police FC. These matches will be crucial in determining whether the Brewers can maintain their momentum and establish themselves as strong contenders for the title.
With a refreshed squad, a new coach, and the backing of a dedicated management team, Tusker FC is poised to make a serious bid for the 2024/25 FKFPL title. As they kick off their campaign, the team and its supporters will be hoping that the preparations and investments made during the off-season will translate into success on the pitch, bringing the coveted league trophy back to Ruaraka.
