Mathare United and Tusker FC face a crucial test of character when they meet at Moi Stadium in Embu on Thursday, both eager to put recent setbacks behind them.
Mathare, coached by David Ouma, are still searching for their first goal and victory of the season ahead of the 2pm kick-off.
The Slum Boys have picked up two points from three matches, drawing 0-0 with APS Bomet and Migori Youth, while losing 1-0 to KCB.
Their defence has conceded only once, but a lack of goals remains a major concern.
Ouma said the recent break had given his players time to improve their fitness and prepare for the challenge ahead.
“We have had two good weeks, one to bring the players’ fitness levels to where we expect them to be,” he said.
Rather than blame his players for a slow start, Ouma said he would take full responsibility and continue to support them.
“It is an issue of supporting the players. When you lose a match like we did against KCB, the pressure is on the coach,” Ouma said.
He wants his charges to maintain intensity throughout the match and avoid the mistakes that proved costly in their opening fixtures.
“We have to keep pushing and make sure we carry the right fighting spirit from the first whistle to the last,” he said.
Tusker, meanwhile, will be keen to put their continental disappointment behind them after bowing out of the CAF Confederation Cup against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.
The brewers lost 2-1 on aggregate after drawing 1-1 in the second leg on Sunday.
Coach Julien Mette admitted that the elimination had hurt, but said his side must now turn attention to domestic competition.
“We are sad and disappointed to be out of the competition, but we have to move forward,” he said.
Tusker have three points from the only match they’e played so far, a 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars.
Mette said the continental campaign had provided useful lessons, particularly the importance of recognising opponents capable of making the difference.
“Tactically and technically, there is not much we need to learn from them, but some of their players can make the difference,” he said.
“We are satisfied with the collective effort, but there are one or two areas we need to improve.”
Tusker have the historical edge in 22 meetings, winning 11 matches to Mathare’s four, with seven matches drawn.
However, Mathare have won two of their last three encounters, including a 3-1 comeback victory in February, giving the Slum Boys reason to believe they can trouble the brewers again.
