Defending Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Champions Tusker FC will look to bank a second consecutive victory when they take on Kenya Police FC at the Kasarani Annex on Wednesday morning in a rescheduled fixture.
Meanwhile, former champions Gor Mahia will be in Thika taking on Ulinzi Stars in a battle of two unbeaten sides. Tusker and Gor are playing catch up matches due to their involvement in CAF interclub competitions.
Tusker managed to bounce back from their poor start of the season with a 2-0 victory over Wazito FC on Saturday and coach Robert Matano will be looking to take advantage of that bounce and get his side’s groove back on.
“It was very important for us to get that victory because you know as a team when you are used to winning then start losing games, it affects your morale and motivation. But now the players have their minds settled and relaxed and they know want to play with more confidence,” said coach Robert Matano.
The Tusker FC bench consulting at half time
Over the last six seasons, Tusker have always struggled in the first few games of the season but will look to keep the momentum rolling against Police.
The Premier League debutants recently played the brewers in a friendly match at the Ruaraka Complex and lost 8-2, but since then, so much has changed.
Police have gone on a signing spree bringing in several experienced players into the fold.
Among the players who have signed up for Police include Duke Abuya, Duncan Otieno, John Mark M and Musa Mohamed who came back to the country after stints in Zambia. Police have also recruited winger Clifton Miheso who had previously played for Gor Mahia FC.
The arrival of the experienced names into the squad has injected some level of confidence into the team. They however lost their last match, going down 2-1 to KCB and will look to bounce back against a Tusker side that has already lost to league new boys Talanta FC.
Tusker FC expect a tough duel against Police.
Tusker FC players celebrate a goal during a past match
“If you see the players that they have recruited it means they are in for business and we know it is going to be a tough game. We will be ready for them,” said coach Matano.
Meanwhile in Thika, Ulinzi Stars who have 10 points in four games will take on former champs Gor Mahia who have won all four of their opening games of the season.
Gor have had a brilliant start to the campaign and since losing on penalties in the FKF Super Cup against Tusker, they have not suffered defeat.
Gor Mahia celebrate their goal against AFC Leopards
But against Ulinzi, they will find their sternest test yet, but coach Mark Harrison is optimistic his side will continue in their good form.
“I think we have been playing well in the past few games though definitely there are things we can do better on. We face very tough matches back to back and I hope we can be able to sustain the pressure that comes with it,” said the British tactician.
Ulinzi on the other hand are looking to bank another three points and continue their good start to the season though they know it will not come easy.
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