Tusker switch focus to pushing Gor in league battle after Cup heartbreak

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 4 - Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano says the team will look to bounce back when they switch attention back to the FKF Premier League this weekend, after their heartbreaking exit in the FKF MozzartBet Cup.

The alemen were beaten 1-0 by defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday in Kisumu to exit the Cup in the round of 16, and will now have to rely on fate to see if they can fight for the league title.

Tusker, placed second in the Premier League, are seven points behind leaders Gor Mahia with 10 matches remaining, and their only hope is that K'Ogalo drop points in at least three matches.

"We have to remain strong mentally. Of course we were disappointed to lose that game in the Cup because we had placed very high hopes. But that is football. We played very well but we couldn't finish our chances and get a result. We have to move on from there and now focus on the league," Matano said.

His sentiments were echoed by striker Eric Kapaito who said; "It was really a bad day in office for us and we have to push ourselves to rise from that setback. It is a trophy we really wanted to fight for as a team but it is what it is. We have to focus on the league now."

The brewers take on Kariobangi Sharks in the early kick off on Saturday (1pm) looking to win and reduce the gap with leaders Gor to four points, with the reigning champions playing the late kick off at the same venue against Homeboyz.

Matano admits it will be a tough assignment against a side who held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

"They are a tough team and we need to prepare very well especially tactically for them. We need to win our matches and see what happens from there. We are preparing well and doing our best to get everyone in shape," stated the coach.

Kapaito, vying for the Premier League golden boot will be facing his former employers, with who he won two golden boots and an MVP award.

The frontman will be looking to add his tally of eight goals this season as he hopes to close the three-goal gap with top scorer Benson Omalla.