Tusker's resurgence under Matano continues
What you need to know:
- Ingwe, on the other hand, are still stuck in a performance rut, and recorded a third consecutive draw last weekend against Chemelil Sugar.
- The big cats are now winless in seven matches, and have slid to fifth position on the KPL table down from second.
Tusker are back to winning ways, AFC Leopards’ remain stuck in a performance rut and Mathare United just can’t keep pace with table leaders Gor Mahia.
That is the summarised situation of the 2018 Kenyan Premier League which entered its 14th week last weekend.
Tusker have been floundering since the season began, but they appear to have found a new lease of life under new coach Robert Matano, who led them to a 2-0 win over Bandari in Mombasa last Saturday.
This result marked the brewers’ third win in their last five games, and it ensured that Matano’s tenure remains untainted in three games he has been in charge at the club.
More importantly, it helped the 11-time champions join the league’s top ten positions for the first time this season.
Well, Matano’s glittering record shows that he is a result-oriented coach, but whether the brewers continue to churn out pleasant results depends on how active they will be during the transfer window that opens at the end of this month.
“The pitch was so bad that we couldn’t play our ordinary game. But I’m happy we’ve won the match and return home with maximum points.
“I am just getting settled here and I am yet to think about the transfer period but once I evaluate the squad and identify the kind of players we need, I will advise the management,” Matano said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mathare United were left to rue missed chances as they drew 1-1 with Kariobangi Sharks in the slum derby.
The slum boys needed three points in order to catch up with Gor Mahia at the top of the table, but they passed on this chance throwing a lead given to them by Clifford Alwanga as Patilla Omotto levelled matters for Sharks thereby occasioning a share of spoils.
“You can’t say it is a fair result. If you create a lot of chances and you don’t score the opponent can always bounce back. I think we had enough chances to kill the game. If we could have secured the maximum points it would have been better. At times you drop points but you have to acknowledge the quality of the opponent,” Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi.
Nakumatt managed to win for the first time in nine games, beating Zoo Kericho 3-2 on Sunday. The retailers however remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just 10 points from 14 games, ahead of their duel against Ingwe this coming weekend.
Ingwe, on the other hand, are still stuck in a performance rut, and recorded a third consecutive draw last weekend against Chemelil Sugar.
The big cats are now winless in seven matches, and have slid to fifth position on the KPL table down from second.
