Okere bets on new midfield trio to power Tusker's title push

Tusker players Stephen Etyang, Crispine Erambo, Fabian Adikiny, Dennis Iguma, Eric Kapaito and goalkeeper Brandon Obiero celebrate their goal against KCB/TUSKER 

Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere believes he may have finally uncovered the formula to reignite the brewers’ stalled title push as the SportPesa League enters a decisive phase.

Okere is convinced that a newly assembled midfield trio of Harambee Stars' playmaker Chrispine Erambo, Fabian Adikiny and Uganda Cranes' stalwart Dennis Iguma could be the magic wand Tusker have been searching for in their pursuit of a 13th league crown.

“The balance we now have in midfield is something we have been working towards for weeks,” Okere said. “These three give us the legs to win the ball, the composure to keep it and the quality to hurt teams going forward.”

He believes the combination has injected fresh energy into the team’s engine room, allowing the brewers to dictate play and supply ammunition to their attacking unit.

“They can dispossess opponents, dominate the middle of the park and create chances for our strikers,” Okere added. “That is what championship-winning teams do consistently.”

Tusker’s renewed belief comes after a gritty 2-1 victory over KCB, a result that lifted them to seventh place on the table with 27 points, nine behind leaders Gor Mahia. While the gap remains significant, Okere insists the title race is far from over.

“We are still very much in contention,” he said. “Nine points can be recovered if you go on a good run and remain consistent.”

The win over KCB was important after a bruising start to 2026, which saw them suffer back-to-back defeats against AFC Leopards and Bandari FC, results that piled pressure on players and the technical bench.

“It has not been the easiest start to the year for us,” Okere admitted. “We struggled to find our rhythm, and that showed in the results.”

One of Tusker's major concerns has been defensive fragility. The brewers have conceded six goals in just two league matches this year, an uncharacteristic statistic for a side traditionally known for solidity at the back.

“We have tried to address areas that have been of concern, especially defending,” Okere said. “We have conceded six goals in two games, which is not our standard.”

He said the technical bench spent the entire week focusing on concentration levels, particularly in the backline, where lapses have been punished.

“There have been moments where we simply switch off,” he explained. “When that happens at this level, you get punished.”

The Tusker coach singled out new signing Stephen Etyang for special praise, describing him as a game-changer on the flanks. “You could see his flair against KCB. That is the kind of player we have lacked—someone who gives us speed, creativity and sharpness going forward,” he said.

Okere acknowledged that Tusker’s problems have not been limited to defending, pointing to inefficiency in front of the goal as another area requiring urgent attention.

“We have also worked on improving offensively because we haven’t been scoring as much either,” he said. “We are getting chances, but we haven’t been utilising them.”

Rectifying these issues has required a blend of individual instruction and collective tactical drills designed to sharpen decision-making in crucial moments.

“We have talked to individual players and applied group and team tactics to see where we improve,” Okere noted. “It’s about getting the moments right.”

He was quick to underline the fine margins that often decide matches at the top.

“Football is a game of moments,” he said. “When you switch off for even a second, the opponent punishes you.”

With momentum slowly returning, Okere has issued a rallying call to his squad ahead of their Round 18 clash against KCB at the Kasarani Annex on Sunday. He wants to see immediate improvement in defensive organisation and a sharper edge in the final third.

“We must be more solid defensively and more clinical in attack,” he said. “That is non-negotiable if we want to push up the table.”

Despite the pressure, Okere remains calm and confident that Tusker have the experience and quality required to mount a serious charge in the second half of the season.

“This is a team that knows how to win titles,” he said. “We have players who understand what it takes, and now it’s about applying ourselves every single game.”

He believes the recent victory has restored belief within the camp and could mark a turning point in Tusker’s campaign.

“Winning gives you confidence,” Okere concluded. “If we keep building on this, we can make this season very interesting.”

As Tusker prepare to face KCB once again, all eyes will be on Okere’s midfield trio to see whether they can truly provide the spark that transforms belief into a sustained title challenge.