Tusker will be out to avenge their loss to Kakamega Homeboyz in The Football Kenya Federation Cup final when the two teams clash at Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday, head coach Robert Matano has said.
The two sides met on July 1 with Homeboyz winning the encounter 1-0 to earn a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Matano has asked his charges to throw caution to the wind and go full throttle for their opponents’ scalp as they embark on a lofty campaign for a 12th title.
“Traditionally, people expect the visiting team to defend while groping for an away point. I’ve asked my players to go for nothing short of a win,” Matano said in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
The seasoned tactician, who brags the highest number of titles in topflight history, reckons his squad will be buoyed by the return of Tanzanian forward Ibrahim Joshua.
“We are glad to have Ibra back. He has been participating in training which is an important step as he inches closer to a return from knee surgery,” Matano said.
The brewers kicked off their campaign with a one-all draw against Kariobangi Sharks at Ruaraka grounds on September 4.
They have had two build-up matches in the past week where they beat National Super League club Darajani Gogo 2-0 at Ruaraka grounds on September 9 before thrashing lower-tier side Kenyatta University 5-0 on Wednesday.
In other matches slated for Saturday, Nzoia Sugar will host Bidco United at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
Kenya Police travel to Homabay to meet KPL returnees Shabana at the Raila Odinga Stadium while coastal side Bandari have a tricky tie against Ulinzi Stars at Mbaraki in Mombasa.
Muhoroni Youth dare AFC Leopards to a duel at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi while the match between defending champions Gor Mahia and Nairobi City Stars will be the highlight of Sunday’s action.
Kariobangi Sharks will lock horns with KCB at Utalii Grounds, Nairobi as Posta Rangers take on Sofapaka at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi.
KPL newbies Murang’a Seal will be looking for their third consecutive win in the top tier when they face Talanta at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi.
