Tusker interim coach Charles Okere believes he has what it takes to replace veteran Robert Matano on the Brewers’ hot seat.
Okere is taking charge of pre-season since Matano’s departure last week and will be at the helm until the 13-time Kenyan Premier League winners settle on their next gaffer.
Okere joined Tusker in 2018 as the Youth team coach before graduating to Matano’s assistant, alongside George Maina.
The two completed their CAF ‘A’ Licence, sponsored by Tusker, in April with Okere top of the 18-strong class. A source within the club said this gives Okere the upper hand in the race for a permanent role ahead of the new season.
Okere, a Mathare Youth Sport Association alumnus, is also counting on his experience in the Women’s Premier League, where he led Vihiga Queens to the inaugural Cecafa Women’s Club Championships in 2021.
He took them to the CAF Women’s Champions League in Cairo, Egypt, where they bowed out in the group stages.
He has also coached Maziwa FC and Umoja Renegades and had a short stint at Harambee Starlets.
Maina, a former Tusker player, rejoined the side as an assistant coach during Okere’s stint at Harambee Starlets in 2021.
He, at one point, took charge of National Super League side Naivas FC.
Okere hopes his role in helping the Brewers to the 2021 and 2022 KPL titles works in his favour, even as he targets a UEFA Pro License.
“I have coached several teams and served as assistant for long. I also took charge of Tusker Youth,” said Okere.
“Being appointed as the interim coach is a good start. I leave everything to the Tusker board but everything in life has a first time and I am ready to take charge,” said Okere.
He remains optimistic especially after a successful CAF ‘A’ Licence course.
“Every journey has ups and downs. I sacrificed a lot and burned the midnight oil to achieve my CAF ‘A’ Licence. I thank God, FKF and my club for supporting my journey. I will continue grinding,” said Okere.
Meanwhile, whoever takes, including the possibility of a foreign coach — which the club remains to, will have to hunt for replacements for the 11 players released last week.
Eric Zakayo and Daniel Sakari, joined Kenya Police FC, while Eric Kapaito is said to be on his way to the Tanzanian Premier League. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire is in South Africa.
Others are Stewart Omondi, Collins Otieno, Jimmy Mbugua, Eugene Asike, Boniface Onyango, Eric Otieno and Ibrahim Joshua.
Last week, the remainder of the squad underwent a refresher course on the laws of the game and the entire rule book, courtesy of retired Fifa referee Damaris Kimani.
The Brewers had lined up high altitude training in Kericho, then head to Uganda for pre-season. However, the plan was shelved to allow for recruitment.
Already, the brewers have signed leftback Dennis Wanjala from City Stars, Erick Balecho from Murang’a Seal, Jacob Onyango from Sofapaka and Bandari goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka.