Tusker regaining KPL mojo, says Matano

Eleven-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Tusker FC are gradually shaping up after a slow start into the season, head coach Robert Matano has observed.

Matano led his men to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sofapaka on Saturday at the Kenyatta Stadium Machakos, underlining the improvement he has been working on since the start a month ago.

The score would have been better, had Tusker striker Timothy Otieno converted his spot kick, in one of several narrowly missed attempts.

Having registered a loss, a draw and now two consecutive wins in the gone four matches, Matano believes his side can only get better.

“We did not start well. However, it was an honourable start knowing we missed six first team players. Injuries locked some out while others like David Majak were on international duty. We have been rectifying some of the issues we have noticed so far and the players who have been out injured  are coming back. You can see we’re now getting results and you can expect more of this,” Matano said.

A 5-3 defeat to champions Gor Mahia away to Kisumu was followed by a 1-1 draw against Mathare United marked the slow start, before the Matano charges broke the season jinx with a 2-1 away victory over Zoo Kericho.

The no-nonsense coach is not resting on his laurels at all, after the inspiring last two fixtures.

“Today(Saturday) was a good day, but that is already behind our backs. We have to focus ahead as the journey is long, building on the recent good results,” a chuffed Matano told

Tactically, the coach said his strategy worked against Sofapaka who until halftime had stubbornly guarded their goal to a 0-0 score.

“I wanted to first observe and bring punch in the second half, that’s why I rested Kevin Okoth and George Odhiambo, and immediately Mieno (Humphrey) and Majak were on you saw the immediate reaction,” he offered.

The brewers are seventh on the KPL log with seven points, level with AFC Leopards, KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars; with only leaders Western Stima above them having amassed eight.

The Ruaraka men will next lock horns with Kakamega Homeboyz in their next assignment, the latter coming from their first defeat of the season (2-1) away to KCB on Sunday.