Tusker seek fourth win in a row in Bidco’s Thika nest

• Tusker have won three games on the trot
• The brewers have won three of their four meetings
• A win will extend Tusker’s stay on top of the log

FKF Premier League defending champions Tusker FC take on Bidco United at the Thik Sub-County Stadium on Saturday evening looking to extend their run on top of the standings.

The brewers lead with nine points after three consecutive wins and will be out to make it four and continue their perfect run against a tough Bidco side. In four meetings between the two sides, Tusker has lost only once, a 2-1 defeat at the Kasarani Annex in the 2020-21 season.

Last term, Tusker beat Bidco home and away and are looking to make it a consecutive whitewash again. Coach Robert Matano, himself a former coach at Bidco when they were in the second tier, is optimistic his side will win though he admits it will be a tough duel.

“They are a very good team, much like us because they fight till the end. They don’t give up. It will not be an easy match but we are ready for them,” said the coach.

Tusker and Bidco have already played once in a friendly match, which ended 2-2 with the Brewers having to come from 2-0 down. It will be different dynamics when they clash in the league with three massive points at stake.

Brewers fueled by winning run

The brewers are looking to be fueled by their winning run but coach Matano says that remains in the past and they need to focus on the task at hand.

“It is good we have won the first three matches of the season, but that is in the past. The most important thing for us always is our next match. We want to play well and win. Consistency is very key and important for us,” the experienced tactician stated.

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano

Bidco have played two matches so far this season, starting off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars before losing 2-1 to Gor Mahia, both matches played in Nairobi. It will be their first home game of the season.

Coach Anthony Akhulia is optimistic of a good result and believes they have what it takes to shock the champions.

“It will be a tough game for sure, but we are ready for it. We know that Tusker are on a good run but we also have our strategies in place,” said the coach.

Three matches postponed

Meanwhile, there will be three matches postponed as the Football Kenya Federation awaits on a written ruling from the Sports Disputes Tribunal over the promotion and relegation saga.

Last week, the Tribunal ruled that FKF did not have authority to nullify the league as they did and as thus, APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco will be promoted while Mathare United and Vihiga Bullers will be relegated.

But, the Federation is yet to effect the decision as it has not been officially communicated to them from the Tribunal. FKF had nullified the league as it was run by the Caretaker Committee, a body that was not recognized by FIFA.

The Federation argued that the league would not be recognized anywhere and as thus, declared it null and void.