Tusker FC coach explains costly aspect derailing the team’s title ambitions.
Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has sounded his charges to be decisive in the final third after another lackluster performance on Saturday.
The brewers failed to find the back of the net despite having Golden Boot-chasing marksman Ryan Ogam in their ranks against Police FC in their goalles draw at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, Saturday.
The draw subsequently allowed the brewers to remain second on the 18-team log. Worryingly for Tusker, defending champions Gor Mahia beat Mathare United 2-1, to narrow the gap at the top of the table to just four points with K’Ogallo still having a game in hand.
Police lead the table on goal difference after amassing 38 points from 20 matches as record champions Gor Mahia lurk on third position with 34 points. Critical of the team’s performance, Charles Okere could not hide his frustrations: “We started the game very strongly in the first half, creating a number of chances, but once again, we struggled in front of goal,” Okere explained after the match.
“The issue remains the same: we lacked composure and weren’t able to finish the opportunities we created. This is an area that we need to focus on if we are to secure victories in such tight, tactical matches.”
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The former Harambee Starlets coach stressed the importance of remaining calm when in scoring positions. Converting chances has been Tusker’s Achilles Heel this season. “It all comes down to composure. The players now understand their tactical roles and positioning on the field, but without that calmness and poise in front of goal, even the best opportunities will be wasted. We have to be more clinical.”
Despite the goalless result, Okere found some positives to take from the game. One of the standout aspects was the team’s continued defensive solidity, with the third consecutive clean sheet being a significant achievement. At the beginning of the season, defensive issues were a major concern, but Tusker has now kept four clean sheets in their last six matches.
“We’ve really made significant improvements defensively as a team,” said Okere. “I also want to highlight (Alex) Onchwari, who played only his second game for the club. He showed incredible maturity and authority at the back, bringing a lot of confidence to the defense. This serves as a reminder to all the players that when they get an opportunity, they must seize it with both hands.”
Although the team has struggled to find the back of the net in their last two outings, Okere remains confident that improvements will come. “There is no pressure. We’re taking each game as it comes, and we’ll continue working on getting better with every match. We have the quality, and I believe we will get back to winning ways in our next game.”
Tusker face Shabana, a match that will definitely define the team’s title credentials but if the brewers can sort their inadequacies in attack, they will most likely take the title race down to the wire.
