- Tusker have won all their first five matches of the season
- They lead the standings with 15 points
- Vihiga are playing their second match of the season
Defending champions Tusker FC will be out to chalk their sixth straight victory in the FKF Premier League when they take on Vihiga Bullets at the Ruaraka Complex on Wednesday afternoon.
The brewers are in perfect form, leading the standings with a maximum 15 points while Bullets are only playing their second match of the season after a delayed start to the campaign due to cases at the Sports Tribunal.
Bullets were relegated at the end of last season but were given a second lease of life after the Football Kenya Federation nullified the 2021-22 campaign as it was run by a Caretaker Committee.
Their last visit at Ruaraka ended in a 2-0 defeat in their debut campaign last season and they will be keen to make amends and show a better performance.
Tricky assignment against Bullets
Tusker FC coach Robert Matano
Tusker coach Robert Matano is wary that they face a tricky assignment at home and has warned his team not to underrate Bullets.
“They might have started the league late but that does not mean anything. They are a good team and we should respect them. We cannot make the mistake of underrating them. It will be a tough match for us because they will also come wanting to prove a point,” the tactician said.
His sentiments are echoed by skipper Humphrey Mieno. “They are plying in the top flight which means they are a good side. For us, every game is a serious game and we put our maximum effort. We have prepared well and the lads are psyched up to get a win at home,” Mieno said.
Bullets who started their season with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Posta Rangers before the season went for Christmas break are coached by George Owoko who has been an assistant coach previously at Tusker FC.
David vs Goliath battle
It will be a David vs Goliath battle, with the 12-time champions keen to show their might. Matano says belief and hard work has pushed them to their brilliant start to the season.
“We are playing as a team and everyone is working. We have a common goal which is to defend our title and to play to the best of our abilities. I hope we can continue playing like this. We are taking a match at a time. The five we have won are behind us and the most important game is the one ahead of us,” the experienced coach added.
Tusker will miss the services of striker Ibrahim Joshua who is away in Tanzania after a bereavement while Shami Mwinyi and Lawrence Luvanda are also not yet back from injury. Apollo Otieno is out with his contract having expired while Clyde Senaji is also out on disciplinary grounds.
But, the brewers will still have a huge squad to pick up their squad from.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login