Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has issued a strong message to his new signings, including striker Eric Kapaito, following their disappointing opening-day defeat to KCB in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
The 13-time champions were stunned 2-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as former Gor Mahia forward Boniface Omondi struck twice in the first half to secure all three points for the bankers. The result left Tusker with a frustrating start to the new season and plenty of questions to answer ahead of their next fixture.
Okere admitted that his squad is still in transition after undergoing significant changes during the transfer window. The Brewers brought in 14 new players, among them Brandon Nathan Obiero, Eugene Ikutwa Shiponi, Francis Oduor Onyango, George Odhiambo, Issa Rashid Lumumba, Vincent Otieno Owino, Dennis Ochieng Oalo, Cliff Omondi Oruko, Ronny Otieno, Yakeen Muteheli, Curtis Amos Wekesa, Douglas Nyasoi Omanga, David Polepole, and former Golden Boot winner Eric Kapaito.
The coach emphasized that while the new players are talented, they must adapt quickly to Tusker’s style of play if the team is to maintain its competitiveness in the league. He stressed the importance of cohesion and urged his charges to improve both in training and match situations.
“They are good players, but they need to settle quickly into our philosophy. With time, I believe they will deliver, but the adaptation must happen fast because pressure is already on us after this result,” Okere noted.
Despite preparing well for the game, Tusker struggled to convert their scoring chances. Okere highlighted this as a key area of concern, insisting that the Brewers must be sharper in front of goal if they are to challenge for silverware this season. He also acknowledged KCB’s quality, admitting that his side was second-best on the night.
Looking ahead, Tusker will aim to bounce back when they face Posta Rangers on Saturday, September 27. With expectations high and competition fierce, Okere knows his squad must regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the early title race.
The loss to KCB has served as a wake-up call for Tusker, and with a squad full of fresh faces, Okere’s challenge will be building chemistry while collecting crucial points. The coming weeks will test whether the Brewers can rise to the occasion or risk slipping further off the pace.
