Tusker's Okere buoyed by return of key players ahead of FKF-PL penultimate round

This renewed squad depth comes after the club's title ambitions were dashed by a heavy 7-1 defeat to Sofapaka three weeks ago.

Among those back in contention is top scorer Ryan-Wesley Ogam, who returned to training earlier this month after three months on the sidelines due to knee surgery. The striker's absence was felt sharply, but Okere remains cautious about rushing him back into full match action.

“Ogam is back, though he’s not yet fully match-fit. The game against Sharks might come too soon for him, but we hope he’ll feature in the season finale. We need that boost up front to end the season strongly,” said Okere in an interview with Citizen Digital.

Also back in training are midfielder James Kibande, right winger Thomas Omole, and young striker David Polepole. The latter, who had stepped up to replace Ogam, also spent two months out injured but made a full 90-minute appearance last weekend for Tusker Youth in a 2-1 friendly win over Thika Sporting. 

However, Okere will still be without forward John Njuguna, who is recovering from a medial meniscus tear.

“The return of these players is a huge boost. Omole is already back, Kibande and Polepole have resumed training and are responding well. We're still waiting on final medical clearances for a few, but overall, the squad is in good shape,” Okere noted.

Despite the recent drubbing by Sofapaka, Okere insists the team has put that disappointment behind them. With just two matches remaining, he has set his sights on securing second place on the table.

“We’ve ironed out the issues that contributed to that defeat. The morale in camp is high. Almost 90% of the team is fit, and that gives me a selection headache — in a good way.”

Tusker will host Kariobangi Sharks this Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, a venue where they’ve maintained an unbeaten home record for the past five months.

Historically, Tusker have had the upper hand over Sharks at home, with three wins and two draws in their last five encounters. In contrast, William Muluya’s Sharks have struggled on the road, managing just one win, three draws, and a loss in their recent away games.

Notably, in the reverse fixture earlier this season, Sharks came from two goals down to defeat Tusker 3-2 at Dandora Stadium. Looking ahead, Okere remains cautious but hopeful:

“These are two very tough matches [Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz] - no easy games at this stage. But the team is focused, and we know what's at stake. We respect our opponents, but we’re ready to fight for all six points.”

Tusker have recently used friendlies to build match fitness and chemistry. They beat Kariobangi Legends 1-0 last week, with former Sofapaka man Jacob Onyango scoring the winner. 

Two weeks earlier, they thrashed National Super League side Naivas FC 5-0 in another warm-up match, with goals from Teddy Dok, Boban Nziritusa, Luke Namanda, Yussuf Mainge, and Onyango sealing the emphatic victory. 

Tusker Captain Charles Saramu Momanyi, says the build-up matches gave them the edge and they managed to work on their weaknesses and they are ready to face their opponents and finish the season on a positive note.

"We are coming from not only a loss but a heavy one, and we know it won’t be easy. Our opponents are prepared to face as well but we are readier than them. We have a target [finishing second] therefore we will be going all out to make sure we bag the maximum points," said the former Gor Mahia defender.

Tusker, currently third in the standings with 55 points, are level on points with second-placed Gor Mahia, who have a superior goal difference. Leaders Kenya Police are six points ahead.