Mike Kibwage explains what Tusker need to do to avoid missing out on the FKFPL title and previous sour experience.
Tusker FC assistant captain Mike Kibwage wants the team to use the heartbreaking 22022-23 season experience to stay focused in their quest to dethrone Gor Mahia from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title.
Kibwage recounted how missing the title in the ultimate day of that season by a one-point difference to K’Ogallo was down to Tusker’s careless dropping of points. “It was a very sad moment to the entire team because the effort we put in to make sure we won three titles in-a-row did not bear fruits. At the same time, we had a chance of winning the Premier League and FKF Cup, but at the end of the season we did not take anything home,” Kibwage told Citizen Digital.
Tusker coach Charles Okere reveals problematic areas to be worked on ahead of clash with Ulinzi Stars as title fight enters homestretch.
Kibwage said the 2024-25 season provides a redemption opportunity for the brewers to write off the wrongs and set the records straight.
“Chasing two titles made us run out of gas. Nonetheless, we are in another season whereby once again we still have a chance of redeeming ourselves in both the League and in the Cup competition. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and we are fully focused on ensuring the title remains in our hands this time,” he maintained.
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Okere heaped praise on his players for having the willingess to follow tactical instructions, further waxing lyrical over Ryan Ogam’s goalscoring heroics.
Kibwage maintained that the second half of the season plays a crucial role and is a determiner on which team wins the title based on consistency. In that season, Tusker lost 2-1 to Gor Mahia on February 8, 2023 and then fell 1-0 to Nzoia Sugar later on April 22, 2023 with the two losses making the difference in the title race, according to Kibwage.
The brewers are in an impressive run of form, sitting second in the 18-team league by inferior goal difference. Police FC top the standings after amassing 33 points by winning their last eight out of nine matches.
This season, the Charles Okere-coached Tusker is likely to produce the league top scorer with red hot Ryan Ogam in the race for the golden boot after scoring 15 goals.
Tusker face a rejuvenated Ulinzi Stars on January 25 at the Ulinzi Complex in one of the three matches lined up for the day.
