Tusker FC players celebrate after their win over Ulinzi/ HANDOUT Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere believes that picking up a win early in the December run-in will set the brewers up for a strong finish to the year as the second leg of the 2025/26 SportPesa League looms large.
Over the weekend, Tusker were in commanding form despite the narrow scoreline, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at St Sebastian Park in Murang’a. Dennis Oalo delivered the decisive blow in the 32nd minute, his clinical strike securing all three points for the Ruaraka-based outfit. Okere underlined the significance of starting the festive month with maximum reward.
“December is a very nice month because we are celebrating Christmas, and we have started on a good note by getting three points,” he said. “I believe it is a period of good things in terms of the work we do and getting victories in matches. We are happy for the three points and the clean sheet as well.”
Tusker are now enjoying a two-match winning streak, having also edged Mara Sugar 1-0 thanks to a Thomas Omolle finish. Next up for the brewers is a tricky midweek assignment against a tough Sofapaka side on Thursday.
There will be added spice to the fixture with Tusker having a score to settle after being humbled 7-1 by Sofapaka in the second leg of the 2024/25 campaign. The brewers, however, edged the Sofapaka 1-0 in the first leg. Okere hinted that rotation could play a role in managing the squad’s energy levels heading into another demanding stretch.
“We have another match on Thursday, so we need a good plan to have freshness in the squad,” he explained. “We are going into tough games that need proper preparation. So rotation is key because we have other players who have not gotten ample time to play.”
The Tusker tactician also highlighted the fierce competition across the division. “This league is very tight. The win for us is very positive,” he added.
Following their Sofapaka showdown, the brewers will shift focus to yet another intense battle against Nairobi United on December 16. Reflecting on the Ulinzi clash, Okere credited meticulous analysis as a major factor in breaking down their resolute opponents.
“We analyse our opponents in terms of their strengths and weaknesses and of course their threats,” he noted. “So it was nothing unfamiliar in the game because we had prepared the players mentally.”
He revealed the squad was prepared to absorb pressure after taking the lead early. “We knew if we scored early, they would put more pressure, and we were prepared for that.”
“Ulinzi were a very hard nut to crack, but eventually we got our goal,” he noted.
