Tusker FC’s assistant captain and dependable defender, Michael Kibwage, is rallying his teammates to bounce back to winning ways when they face AFC Leopards this weekend in a high-stakes FKF Premier League clash. After last week’s 2-1 defeat to Mathare United, the Brewers slipped from the summit of the table and are now under pressure to reignite their title charge.
Before their unexpected loss, Tusker were sitting comfortably at the top of the standings, enjoying a narrow two-point lead over Kenya Police. However, the defeat proved costly. Kenya Police capitalized with a win to reclaim the top spot with 52 points. Tusker now trail them by one point with 51, while Gor Mahia are hot on their heels with 50 points following a dominant victory over Mara Sugar. Not far behind are Shabana, who have 46 points and are quietly pushing their way into title contention.
With only six matches left in the season, the title race has intensified, and for Tusker, every game feels like a final. Kibwage admits the recent loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering the circumstances. Tusker took an early 1-0 lead against Mathare, only to squander it in the second half when Musa Masika struck twice to hand Mathare the victory.
Reflecting on the defeat, Kibwage expressed disappointment but also determination. He pointed out that while the team dominated possession and created chances, lapses in concentration cost them dearly. He acknowledged that the second-half performance did not meet Tusker’s standards and that such errors must not be repeated with so much at stake.
As the race tightens, Tusker can ill afford to drop more points. Kibwage believes the team still has a strong chance of clinching the title, but only if they respond with purpose and resilience in their remaining fixtures. According to the defender, it’s time to dig deeper, work harder, and ensure that complacency does not creep into their performances.
Their next challenge comes in the form of AFC Leopards, a side that has endured a mixed run of form this season. Leopards ended a worrying seven-match winless streak last weekend with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Bidco United. That result will give them confidence heading into the clash with Tusker, especially as they have already proven their capability against the Brewers.
Back in December 2024, Leopards dismantled Tusker 4-1 in one of the most surprising results of the season. That loss will no doubt be fresh in the minds of Tusker players, and they will be looking to set the record straight when the two teams meet again.
Leopards, despite their inconsistency, possess attacking quality and tactical discipline when on form. For Tusker, the game is not just about revenge but about survival in the title hunt. With the top four separated by just six points and six matches to go, any slip-up could be fatal.
Kibwage and his teammates know the stakes and the urgency of the moment. The battle for the FKF Premier League crown is heating up, and the Brewers must show championship character to stay in the fight.
