Tusker FC smell opportunity as Sofapaka stand in the way of league summit

Tusker FC will have a rare chance to leap to the summit of the FKF Premier League standings when they face Sofapaka FC in a crucial Match Week 13 encounter on Sunday, at the Kasarani Annex from 3:00 pm.

The Brewers head into the clash knowing that the title race remains extremely tight. Kenya Police FC currently lead the table with 21 points, just one ahead of Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz and Posta Rangers, who are all locked on 20 points. With all the top six teams, including Shabana and AFC Leopards, settling for draws this weekend, the door is wide open for Tusker to make a decisive move.

Currently eighth on the log with 18 points, Tusker could rise all the way to the top if they secure victory by a margin of three goals or more, underlining the fine margins separating the title contenders at this stage of the season.

Tusker head coach Charles Okere struck an optimistic tone ahead of the match, citing a positive camp atmosphere, improved squad fitness and careful workload management due to the congested fixture list.

“The camp is on a very positive vibe. Getting the crucial three points in our last match was important for us, especially with games coming thick and fast,” Okere said. “We had to find the right balance in our training programme, but so far, so good. Even players who had knocks are now fully recovered and available for selection.”

Tusker arrive in encouraging form, having recorded back-to-back wins against Mara Sugar and Ulinzi Stars, a run that has helped erase the pain of two earlier defeats. Another victory would see the 12-time league champions register three consecutive wins for the first time this season.

However, Okere remains cautious, especially given Tusker’s painful memories of their last meeting with Sofapaka, where they suffered a 7–1 defeat.

“Sofapaka are a very tactical side with experienced players. They have agile midfielders who make quick decisions with or without the ball. We conceded too many goals in the last encounter, and that’s an area we must improve,” he noted.

Playing away against Batoto Ba Mungu adds another layer of complexity, with Okere describing the match as largely psychological.

“It will be more of a psychological game. We have prepared the team mentally to be ready for the challenge,” he told Tusker Media. “It’s about planning well, capitalising on their weak areas and getting our tactical approach right.”

Tusker’s technical bench has also prioritised improving their attacking output. While the Brewers have enjoyed a run of clean sheets, Okere admitted the team must score more freely to improve their goal difference, a crucial factor in such a congested title race.

“We are averaging one goal per game, which is positive because we are winning and keeping clean sheets, but we need to score more. The goal difference is very tight and can easily pull you down,” he explained.

Tusker have received a timely boost with Eric Kapaito declared fit after working closely with the medical team throughout the week. Okere believes the forward’s return will add much-needed depth and balance to the squad.

For Sofapaka, the stakes are equally high. The 2009 league champions are currently entrenched in the relegation zone, alongside Kariobangi Sharks and Murang’a Seal, a situation that has remained unchanged for several weeks.

A win for the Ezekiel Akwana-coached side would lift them up to 10th place, offering hope of climbing out of danger. However, Sofapaka have struggled this season following a mass exodus of key players at the end of last campaign, with the team still searching for cohesion and consistency.

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