- Tusker have not won the opening game of a season for five years
- They start their campaign away to Kakamega Homeboyz
- There will be four more fixtures on Saturday
FKF Premier League champions Tusker FC will look to break their season-opening jinx when they take on Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium on on Saturday afternoon.
The brewers have not won the opening game of a season for the past five campaigns and they will be keen for a positive start away from home this time round.
“We have been talking about that a lot. The coach has also been reminding us of that fact but all of us are keen to ensure that we break that jinx. We have worked hard in training and the focus is on winning the first game of the season,” said defender Isaac Kipyegon.
The new season of the FKF Premier League finally starts almost three months after the initial start date and Kipyegon says the team is motivated that they will finally be getting down to business.
First game a motivation
Tusker FC coach Robert Matano during a training session
“The fact that we have a game is motivation enough for us. We have been waiting for this time for long and it is finally here. I don’t think we have anything else to motivate us other than that. The players are psyched, they are confident of starting well and we will give our best,” said the defender.
Tusker return to a ground where they suffered defeat last season, losing 1-0 to Homeboyz at the early stages of the season.
Homeboyz are a much changed side now, under new coach John Baraza, with some of the key players from last season leaving. Top scorer David Okoth left for Police FC while defender Sylvester Owino has also left the side.
New coach Baraza will be eager to start his reign with victory.
“It is going to be a tough first game but we are ready for it. The players are ready, they have prepared well and we will give a good account playing at home,” the former Sofapaka coach stated.
Leopards without 10 players
AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards will be without up to 10 players for their league opening match against Ulinzi Stars due to an administrative issues. The 10 have not been registered on time and will thus not be eligible to play the opening game.
Coach Patrick Aussems said he was dismayed that his side will not have a sizeable squad, but remains confident they will give their all.
“I learn 3 days before our 1st League game that I won’t be able to play with 10 of my players for administrative reasons !!! It’s a big blow to the head! Difficult to admit but we have to deal with … #Ingwe fans , tomorrow be 200% behind your young team ! Asante sana,” the coach posted on his socials.
In other matches set for this afternoon, Gor Mahia will take on Nzoia Sugar at the Kasarani Stadium, the former champions looking to start their campaign on a winning note.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login