Tusker’s head coach, Robert Matano, is certain that the arrival of two new acquisitions at the Ruaraka-based club will relieve him of the selection headache he has experienced from the start of the season.
The reigning Kenyan Premier League champions have secured the signatures of left-back Levin ‘Lefty’ Odhiambo and forward Mike Oduor from city rivals Mathare United and KCB respectively.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, the seasoned gaffer oozed confidence that the duo’s presence in the club will patch up the grey areas and inject the much-needed zest into the talent-laden squad.
“They are players I have observed for quite some time now and I am confident they will be instrumental in our plans to finish the season strongly as we return from the international break,” Matano said.
Matano said they are ready to brush aside the hiccups that jolted their quest for the title at the start of the season to set the course for a successful title defence.
“We are facing Bidco United on Wednesday and we need to start asserting ourselves in this match. I expect us to perform well because we will be at home.”
The brewers are sixth on the log with 36 points heading into the Round of 20 fixtures, 10 adrift of leaders Gor Mahia.
Gor will seek to consolidate their position at the apex of the log when they return to league action against strugglers Vihiga Bullets at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday.
K’Ogalo’s head coach, Jonathan McKinstry has urged his charges to hit the accelerator, warning them of the imminent cut-throat competition in team selection after a transfer ban imposed by Fifa was lifted last week.
“We won’t be worrying about injuries and suspensions anymore and this is a big relief for everyone in the team,” McKinstry said.
“Everyone must work extremely hard to secure a spot in the starting lineup. Priority will still be given to the players who have been with us from the start of the season. It would be unfair to sideline players who have burnt the midnight oil to propel us to the top of the table,” McKinstry said.
Thirteen-time Kenyan champions, AFC Leopards, have a date with Bandari at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
Media reports have it that Ingwe will be plunging resources into the ongoing transfer window to fish out quality signings after an embargo imposed by the world governing body, Fifa, lapsed on Tuesday.
Kariobangi Sharks will flex muscles with Wazito at Kasarani Annex while Kakamega Homeboyz has a herculean task against KCB at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
A doubleheader is set for the Ruaraka Complex in Nairobi where Talanta will settle scores with Posta Rangers before champions Tusker takes on Bidco in the subsequent encounter. Nairobi City Stars will host Mathare United at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi. The enticing encounter between law enforcers Kenya Police and Sofapaka has been postponed.
