•"We require players who can perform under immense pressure. Against Homeboyz, we looked startled on the big stage," —Matano.
•Matano said his players should blame themselves for handing Homeboyz the title on a silver platter
Image: FILE
Days after their heart-wrenching FKF Cup final defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano has admitted his players failed to demonstrate character when it mattered most.
The seasoned coach said his players crumbled in the face of high pressure to miss out on both the Kenyan Premier League and FKF Cup titles.
“It was a very sad experience losing both silverware this season. The outcome requires us to return to the drawing board and see what we can do to help our players develop nerves of steel heading into the new season," Matano said.
"We require players who can perform under immense pressure. Against Homeboyz, we looked startled on the big stage. We need players with the capacity to take the battle to the opponent's doorstep and take them head-on,” Matano said.
Last Sunday's defeat shattered all hopes left for brewers to fly the nation's flag on the continental stage after they also surrendered the top-flight title to Gor Mahia a fortnight ago.
Matano further urged his players to learn how to stay alert for the entire duration of the game, attributing most of their defeats in the concluded season to a series of concentration lapses witnessed in their matches.
“For example, in the FKF Cup final, a juvenile howler flashed all our efforts into the drain. We simply failed to adhere to our initial plan of maintaining a watertight backline."
Matano said his players should blame themselves for handing Homeboyz the title on a silver platter
"One of our fullbacks unexpectedly lost concentration at a very crucial moment and our opponents capitalized to punish us dearly. In matches of this magnitude, you cannot afford opponents space and time to aim and score,” Matano said.
The tactician put his squad members on notice, telling them to expect a total overhaul as they revamp themselves to charge for silverware next season.
"We will be busy in the next transfer window looking for quality players who possess the capacity to steer the team to the heights we desire," Matano said.
"We will soon meet to evaluate all the weak areas we need to strengthen ahead of next season. We will be on the lookout for quality players who can take us to the next level,” Matano said.
He, however, said it would be unfair not to acknowledge the brewers for fighting to crack a top-two finish in all major competitions contested this season.
“On the positive side, we finished as runners-up in both competitions, so we also need to commend the players for the much they achieved this season."