Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has urged his charges to maintain their fine run of form as they gear up for a crunch Kenya Premier League (KPL) showdown against KCB on Sunday at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
The brewers have hit their stride in the second leg of the season, stringing together three consecutive wins despite opening 2025 with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Shabana at Gusii Stadium.
They sit second on the log with 36 points from 18 outings, level with league leaders Kenya Police who lead on goal difference. KCB, meanwhile, sit fourth with 28 points but with a game in hand.
Tusker’s impressive run includes a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bandari on January 15, a statement 2-1 victory over reigning champions Gor Mahia four days later and a gritty 1-0 triumph against Ulinzi Stars last weekend.
Okere has warned his squad against complacency as they brace for another stern test.
“The league is a marathon at the moment and every game is a battle. We are facing a tough opponent in KCB. We can’t afford to be in our comfort zone—we have to put in the work and ensure we get the right results. There is no room for mistakes,” Okere said.
The tactician emphasised that the Brewers are treating every fixture like a cup final as they chase the title.
“Every game is a final for Tusker. We go in with a plan and when we execute it well, the results follow,” he added.
Tusker’s defensive solidity has been key to their top form in the second leg.
While they struggled at the back in the first leg, keeping just three clean sheets in 2024, they have already recorded two shutouts in 2025.
“We conceded too many goals in the first leg, but I’m proud of the boys for tightening up at the back,” Okere noted.
The bankers, who led the table for much of the first leg, have yet to pick up a win in 2025.
They began the year with a 1-1 draw against Nairobi City Stars before suffering a 4-2 drubbing at the hands of AFC Leopards last weekend.
Last season, the two sides shared the spoils in their head to-head battles with Tusker victorious in the first leg with a 2-0 score-line, before KCB hit back with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the return fixture.
Reflecting on their recent win over Ulinzi, Okere admitted that while they rode their luck at times, the clean sheet was a huge confidence booster.
“It was a big result against a very tactical Ulinzi side. At times, we were fortunate, but we stayed organised and got the job done,” he said.
Okere acknowledged the challenge of playing early kick-offs at Dandora Stadium, where scorching temperatures and artificial turf take their toll on players.
“Playing matches at 1pm is
very tough because it is very hot
and playing in the artificial turf
is equally hard. However, we had
a plan going into the game and I
thank our fans for showing up
and giving us full support.”
