- Tusker are placed third in the FKF Premier League standings
- They are 10 points behind leaders Gor Mahia
- Gor play Posta Rangers in Machakos
Tusker FC will take on Muhoroni Youth in the FKF Premier League this weekend, looking to narrow the gap between them and league leaders Gor Mahia. Currently, 10 points separate the two sides, with Tusker in third spot in the standings.
A victory against Muhoroni will see the gap reduce to seven points, pending Gor’s duel against second placed Posta Rangers.
Striker Eric Otieno says the team is well prepared for the game, and will be working towards maximum points.
“We have prepared well as a team and the spirit is really great. We are coming off a run of three wins and that really propels us well,” the forward notes.
He says the team is cautious on the approach against Muhoroni Youth, saying they are a dangerous team despite their position on the table. They have memories of last season’s meeting where Muhoroni beat them 2-1 and derailed their hopes of lifting the title.
Over the last two visits, Tusker has not competitively won in Muhoroni. They however won against the sugar belt side during a pre-season friendly match in 2022.
“Last season we came here and they beat us 2-1 and they were in the bottom side of the standings so it is not a team we can take lightly. They are a very tough opponent especially in their backyard so we have to be ready,” he noted.
Tusker on run of three wins
Tusker FC players during a training session in Kericho.
Tusker come into the tie on the backdrop of three consecutive wins, including last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Bumbani Stars in the FKF Cup. They beat KCB 2-0 and Shabana 4-0, results that propelled them up to third in the standings.
Head coach Robert Matano believes that the team has what it takes to narrow the gap, and has warned his team they face must win games until the end of the season.
“It will be a tough match but we must be tough as well. The remaining games are not easy and we must work hard to get the wins,” the tactician said.
Meanwhile, as Tusker look to close the gap, leaders Gor Mahia face second placed Posta in a top of the table clash in Machakos, and the reigning champions can extend the gap between them and the chasing pack to 11 points with a win.
The first leg meeting ended 1-0 in favour of Gor, Kennedy Onyango scoring the all important goal. Posta, who have won three of their last four matches are looking to derail the Gor party and K’Ogalo tactician Jonathan McKinstry has warned his players to ensure they are well concentrated to guard the three points.
“It will be a really tough match and we have to be ready for that. Definitely Posta are looking to enhance their own chances so we have to take the game really seriously,” noted the tactician.
K’Ogalo hope to wipe Cup disappointment off
Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry
K’Ogalo come into the game off a disappointing Cup exit when they were eliminated by lower tier side Denmak FC in Ukunda last weekend, But, the tactician will be pleased that most of his first team players are well rested having been unused down at the Coast.
Goalkeeper Kevin Omondi, fullbacks Rooney Onyango and Geoffrey Onyango, defenders Kennedy Onyango and Joshua Onyango all missed the game.
Midfielder Austin Odhiambo and striker Benson Omalla, who have been the team’s creative forces upfront, also had a rest in the game and did not travel at all.
Meanwhile in other fixtures to be played Saturday, Nairobi City Stars will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they face Kariobangi Sharks at the Police Sacco Stadium. Two defeats in the last four matches have left City Stars off form, and they have dropped to sixth in the standings.
Sharks meanwhile are desperate for a win as they are currently battling in the relegation zone, and a win potentially takes them to 12th from 15th.
Sofapaka, placed 14th will take on Bidco United in the late kick off at the Thika Stadium, while FC Talanta face Kakamega Homeboyz in the 1pm kick off.
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