Tusker head coach Robert Matano believes the Kenyan champions will impress against CS Sfaxien in their Caf Confederation Cup play-off round first leg tie at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The brewers have an arduous task ahead as they come up against a well-drilled Tunisian side who have clinched the Confederation Cup a massive three times — in 2007,2008 and 2013.
They will seek to redeem their grossly battered image following their heavy 5-0 thumping by Egyptian side, Zamalek, in the Champions League after they had cruised past Djibouti's Arta Solar 7 in the first preliminary round.
The setback saw them slump to the second tier of the continental showpiece, where they now join FKF Cup champions, Gor Mahia, in the third and final phase of the Caf Confederations Cup.
Matano said the brewers, who have been in camp for the last two weeks, had intensified training ahead of the crunch tie.
“Everyone at the camp expects good results on Sunday. We've been training for the last two weeks and have had a couple of friendly matches that brought out our strengths and weaknesses,” said Matano.
“I'm happy with the kind of progress I've observed so far. We are going all out for goals and, hopefully, we shall capitalize on the home advantage to register a good outcome,” he added.
Matano said they had received a shot in the arm with the return of three of their luminaries who have successfully shaken off injuries.
“Defenders Charles Momanyi and Kalos Kirenge as well as midfielder Clyde Senaji have all returned to full training,” exclaimed Matano.
The veteran tactician, who led the side to their 12th title last season will, however, greatly miss the services of fullback Jimmy Mbugua who dslocated his left ankle during their 3-0 loss to Kariobangi Sharks at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
The only absentee for this game will be defender Jimmy Mbugua who has only commenced light training after picking up an ankle injury in the game against Kariobangi Sharks.
Team skipper Eugene Asike said he was confident of a good outcome against the Tunisians.
“We learned from the mistakes that cost us dearly in the Caf Champions League and we have made the necessary amends. The morale at the camp is impressive and we all look to a win against CS Sfaxien on Sunday,″ said Wasike.
Sfaxien, who were expected in the country early Thursday, earned a place in the playoffs after drubbing Nigerian side Bayelsa United 5-0 on aggregate.
