Tusker FC head coach, Robert 'Lion' Matano, has urged his team to step up to the plate this season to successfully defend their title.
Matano believes his team showed the right attitude after setting the stage for a second successive title in a 2-1 win over Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The seasoned gaffer prodded his charges to up the tempo in their subsequent encounters.
"There's no room for relaxing we have to keep working hard. We are ready to pick from our first win," Matano said.
Having retained a large chunk of the squad that clinched the championship in their last bid, Matano is confident continuity will be crucial to the team's success.
"We still have the same team; the players understand each other better and we came to Kakamega with a purpose. As champions, we play like champions and I am happy with our combination play,” Matano concluded.
He extolled his players for displaying great character in their opening encounter of the season after stunning their opponents in their backyard.
"The game was good. We dominated the match from the word go and the three points are good for us. I am happy that we won, what we have been doing in training is what we did on matchday," he said.
Newly acquired defender Bonface 'Kajos' Onyango who joined the side from top-flight rivals Kariobangi Sharks, said he is sure they have enough depth to surpass their opponents.
"The whole team looks complete. All the departments are working very well and the teamwork is just amazing. We are going to win the league," Onyango said.
Onyango said their camp is in high spirits and they intend to keep the embers burning as they train their sights firmly on the ultimate prize.
"We will be pushing and encouraging each other in training and during matches until we achieve our goal," he added.
Mercurial striker Lawrence Luvanda drew inspiration from their perfect start, saying their victory against Homeboyz shows their relentless urge to defend the title.
"We thank God that the competition has finally kicked off again after a long time and we have started the season with a win," Luvanda said.
“Our fans should expect more positive results in our subsequent matches. I hope I will have an injury-free season and achieve my target of scoring 10 goals,” he added.
Tusker will aim for the scalp of Nairobi City Stars in their second fixture of the season at Moi Stadium Kasarani on Sunday.
The brewers sit in fourth place, behind leaders AFC Leopards, Bidco United and Bandari respectively after the First Round matches.
The Ruaraka-based team suffered a major blow after the National Executive Committee of the Kenya Football Federation stripped them of the title they won last season following a controversial decision to cancel the league.
