Tusker paying the cost of too many transfers but will stabilise - Ambani

Former Tusker FC striker Boniface Ambani says the many changes made by the brewers during the recent transfer period are part of the reasons the FKF-PL champions are struggling in the league.

Tusker who released 11 players from the title winning squad have only  won two games in their opening five, last evening’s 3-0 humiliation by Kariobangi Sharks bringing the former Harambee Stars ace to the inference.

“You can’t change almost the whole team and expect not to struggle. Matano (head coach Robert) should have made few signings in positions he felt they needed to strengthen. By doing so you make sure you keep the winning squad together and strengthen it at the same time.

“They will take a long time to gel and when that happens they will be a very strong side, but that won't happen immediately. What we are witnessing now is the price you pay for changing a squad significantly,” said Ambani.

Players who were released at the end of the season include Rodgers Aloro and Faraj Ominde who joined Bandari FC, George Odhiambo, Luke Namanda, Robert Mboya and Michael Madoya among others, while Brian Bwire, Kalos Kirenge, Joshua Ibrahim, Daniel Sakari, Clyde Senaji, Patrick Matasi, Shami Kibwana are among the new players at Ruaraka.

Tusker also had no break after the successful campaign last season, as they headed straight to CAF Champions League which they exited at the second round of preliminaries.

Despite convincingly defeating Djibouti’s Arta Solar 7, Tusker would be could not match Zamalek’s class and were relegated to the CAF Confederation Cup which resumes at the end of November.

Matano will have to balance between the league and the CAF Cup, with a tricky fixture ahead in Tunisia against Sfaxien on 28th before the rematch on December 5.

Ambani contrasts Tusker’s transfers approach to that of Nairobi City Stars who have enjoying an impressive start, currently third on the log with 13 points – one behind leaders Gor Mahia.

“They brought in a very good coach in Muyoti who understands the league. He had done a fantastic job at Homeboyz and when he came in he continued with the project former coach Sanjin Allagic had left, only adding a few good players in required positions. That helps in continuity of the project,” stated Ambani.

The league has taken a break to allow players to represent their countries in this week's 2022 World Cup qualifiers and will resume on November 20.