Okere eyes better season as Tusker start pre-season preps

After releasing eleven first team players at the end of last season, FKF Premier League side Tusker FC are in a rush to replace their departed stars as they prepare for the new season.

Among those who were released by the 13-time FKF Premier League champions are goal-poacher Eric Kapaito, Daniel Sakari, Brian Bwire, Eric Zakayo, Stewart Omondi, Collins Otieno, Jimmy Mbugua, Eugene Asike, Boniface Onyango, Eric Otieno and striker Ibrahim Joshua.

Also other notable exits from the Ruaraka-based club included head coach Robert ‘Lion’ Matano following the expiry of this contract.

With less than three weeks left before the new season season kicks off, the Brewers have roped-in goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka from Bandari FC, Eric Balecho from Murang’a SEAL, George Kaddu from Wakiso Giants [Uganda] Jacob Onyango and Dennis Wanjala both from Sofapaka, Boban Zirintusa joins from Biashara FC [Tanzania’s] and Teddy Dok from Tusker Youth.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, in Uganda where the team is camping for pre-season build-ups, Okere said he believes the new faces will smoothly fit in their system and style of play.

"For us to have a holistic team, we have to develop the technical, the tactical, the physical and the mental aspect and that is that's we are here. We want to do everything as a team and play as a team.

Also, bonding is key for us, in terms of team cohesion because the new players are in, now we are full and that's why we appreciate this camp" Okere stated

The team landed in Uganda on Sunday evening where they are expected to play three friendly matches before ending a week-long pre-season camp in Kampala.

Head coach Charles Okere’s charges will face Mbale Heroes on Tuesday afternoon, before facing Kitara FC two days later then wrap up the pre-season tour against newly promoted Lugazi FC, Okere on Saturday.

"These are very competitive matches and we hope to win all of them, with this we'll have achieved our target at the end of the week going back to Kenya.”

“The results will demonstrate how ready we are for the upcoming season. Wins will give us that confidence that we need to start the League on a high you", Okere added.

Before travelling to Uganda, Tusker, had played two pre-season friendly matches against NSL’s Sam West BlackBoots and Dandora Combined winning 4 – 0 and 3 – 0 respetively.

“We have done this in three weeks in Nairobi, and now this is week four. For now, the camp is full, the mood is very positive and I am glad the boys have already shown some positivity in terms of what we are trying to achieve at the end of the pre-season”. Okere stated

He added;

“The plan, and the program that we have set in front of them is that we have to be in good shape ahead of the new season and I can confirm we are at 60% and this is going to give us an edge and opportunity to see the levels that we are in".

Okere who has had stints with Vihiga Queens [interim], Kenya's U-20 and U-23 as assistant coach, will be deputized by George Maina who served in the same capacity under Matano.