Tusker head coach Robert Matano reckons they are still firmly in contention for the Kenyan Premier League title despite stumbling against Gor Mahia over the weekend.
Matano laughed off claims by Gor Mahia head tactician Johnathan McKinstry who asserted on Tuesday that they have already tucked away the title safely in their bag.
The Ruaraka-based beer makers suffered a significant dent in their lofty aspirations for a 12th title after losing 1-0 to K'Ogalo in a hotly-contested thriller at Machakos Stadium on Saturday.
In an earlier interview, a bullish McKinistry dismissed Tusker's chances of bagging this season's silverware, claiming no team had previously achieved the feat after crashing six times in the cutthroat competition.
But in a quick rejoinder on Wednesday, Matano reiterated the Brewers' desire to lay claim to the coveted trophy they surrendered to their nemesis in the preceding season.
'The Lion' reckons they possess the mojo to push the battle to the wire and snatch the delicacy from Gor Mahia's mouth.
“We are still very much in contention and we still have enough energy left to fight tooth and nail for maximum points in our remaining matches,” Matano remarked.
He said they are not quaking in the boots in the wake of the ten-point gap the reigning champions opened at the summit of the log after wringing out maximum points in their action-packed thriller at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Tusker slumped down to fourth on the log with 31 points following the setback.
"Losing one match in five speaks volumes about our current form and I believe we can extend our impressive run in our upcoming fixture against Bidco on Saturday," Matano stated.
Matano dared his striking force to step up on the gas peddle in their subsequent fixtures, claiming they fell short of glory when it mattered most in their last league outing.
"We need to sharpen our attack and prove more clinical in front of goal. For example, we had everything going against Gor and managed to create a plethora of chances only to fumble in the final third," Matano remarked.
Before Saturday’s loss, the brewers had maintained an impressive scorecard after maintaining an impressive four-match unbeaten run against Nzoia Sugar, Kenya Police, KCB, and Sofapaka.
The gaffer tipped his charges to bounce back strongly in their next crunch tie against Bidco United at Ruaraka Grounds on February 3 in one of the Round of 20 KPL fixtures set for the weekend.
In other matches, Nzoia Sugar will host Posta Rangers at Sudi Stadium, Bungoma on Saturday. Kenya Police have a crunch tie against leaders Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on Saturday.
Sofapaka will flex muscles with KCB at Moi Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi while Kakamega Homeboyz will host Muhoroni Youth FC at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega.
On Sunday, Nairobi City Stars face struggling Shabana at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi as Murang’a Seal battle Bandari at St. Sebastian Park in Murang'a.
Ulinzi Stars will entertain Talanta at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi as Kariobangi Sharks settle scores with AFC Leopards at Moi Stadium, Kasarani
