Tusker coach Charles Okere demands more as Gor Mahia sets early rivalry tone

Tusker coach Charles Okere demands more as Gor Mahia sets early rivalry tone

Mark Kinyanjui 17:49 - 25.10.2024

Tusker have been very inconsistent so far this season, ammasing nine points from six points this season.

Tusker interim head coach Charles Okere has voiced concerns about his team's inconsistency after a 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars in the sixth matchday of the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League. 

Playing at Police Sacco Stadium, Tusker's struggle to maintain a lead underscored Okere's message: if the Brewers aim to claim the title, they must achieve consistency.

In a first-half lead, Tusker's captain Charles Momanyi scored in the 40th minute from a well-placed Shaphan Siwa corner — Siwa’s fourth assist of the season. 

The Brewers nearly doubled the lead before halftime, with Momanyi’s header going wide and George Kaddu’s long-range strike deflecting narrowly over the bar. However, Ulinzi Stars equalized shortly after halftime, with substitute Brian Kafero capitalizing on a deflected cross.

 Despite offensive substitutions, including John Njuguna and Jacob Onyango, Tusker couldn’t find a late winner, with Onyango’s long-distance shot saved by the Ulinzi goalkeeper.

Tusker has been inconsistent, starting with a win over Sofapaka but falling to Kariobangi Sharks before earning draws against Kakamega Homeboyz and Kenya Police.

 While they managed a 3-1 victory over FC Talanta, their latest draw against Ulinzi has added to Okere’s frustrations. According to the interim coach, consistency is critical if Tusker wants to keep pace with title rivals.

"Consistency is the key because if you drop points, especially in games we controlled, it becomes a huge worry,” Okere said as quoted on Flashscore.

 “To be champions, we must be resilient; every team is coming to give their best against us, and we need that champion’s character. Psychological readiness is now crucial.”

Okere emphasized the need to refine their finishing and composure, noting that missed chances "drain the energy" from the team. While Tusker initially managed the game well against Ulinzi, they dropped their intensity in the second half, a recurring issue Okere is determined to address.

“Every time we score, conceding right after shows that something is amiss,” Okere observed. “It’s a department we’ll be working on as a team to improve before our next match.”

Currently, Tusker sits as one of Gor Mahia’s closest challengers, having finished as runners-up with 65 points last season. 

However, if they want to narrow the gap, Okere believes the Brewers must maximize points in each match. 

With KCB on their schedule next, Tusker will look to capitalize on their strong record against the Bankers. Last season, they dominated KCB, winning both encounters without conceding a goal. Yet KCB’s undefeated form so far suggests a challenging test for Okere’s side.

For Tusker, the time to establish consistency is now, or they risk watching Gor Mahia widen the gap in the title race once again.

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