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BETTING TIPS: Tusker vs KCB, preview, team news and prediction
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 19.09.25. | 13:20
Set pieces will be key for Tusker in their predicted 4-4-2 formation, with Charles Momanyi being their main target
Tusker will begin their quest for a 13th FKF Premier League title with a clash against KCB on Friday at Kasarani Stadium.
The match will have a host of former teammates and coaches meeting as Robert Matano returns to the local scene after a forgettable stint in Tanzania.
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The 'Lion', as coach Matano is also known, comes back to a competition he has dominated.
He has won the league title four times, with three of those coming during his time at Tusker.
Tusker are currently under the tutelage of Charles Okere, who had a respectable campaign last season, finishing fourth.
It was his first full season as the main man at Tusker after Matano left.
To push one step further, coach Okere dipped into the market and signed 14 players.
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Out of the 14, three were promoted from the youth team.
The notable recruit out of the 14 new faces is Erick Kapaito, who makes a return to the club after a stint with Tanzania's Namungo FC.
Kapaito has been the top scorer in the FKF Premier League twice, in 2018 and in the 2020-21 season.
The forward also has four hat tricks in his FKF Premier League career, his latest having come against KCB in Tusker's 5-0 win in the 2023-2024 season.
Coach Okere will hope Kapaito will replicate the form Austria-bound Ryan Ogam had in the past season.
In their opening match last season, Tusker faced Sofapaka, also under the tutelage of Robert Matano at the time, and won 1-0 at the Machakos stadium.
Tusker holds the head-to-head advantage against KCB, having won 15 of the 28 meetings, drawing 1,1 and losing only two
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In their last five matches, Tusker have won three, drawn one, and lost a similar number of matches.
In these fixtures, Tusker have only conceded three goals and have kept four clean sheets in five ties.
Coach Okere will look to get one over on his predecessor tactically.
The Brewers will rely on the long throws of Ugandan import Patrick Kaddu to unlock what should be a tough affair.
Set pieces will be key for Tusker in their predicted 4-4-2 formation, with Charles Momanyi being their main target.
In midfield, the industry of new signing Issa Lumumba and Crispine Erambo will help contain and control the centre of the pack.
KCB, long termed as underachievers, are aiming to put the 'participant' tag behind them.
The recruitment of coach Matano was a good statement of intent from the board.
Having backed the manager well with a mixture of experience and young talent, he will seek to translate the faith the club has in him into results.
Having started the last season well and among the frontrunners, KCB finished the season in lowly ninth, winning ten and drawing, and losing 12 matches.
Coach Matano will rely on the experienced duo of Humphrey Mieno and Clyde Senaji, who have played under him at Tusker.
Regarding goals, former Nairobi City Stars man Kelvin Etemesi is likely to lead the line.
The trickery and industry of both Jack Ong'anya and Fortune Omoto will act as the decisive factor in unlocking a Tusker side with runs in behind and key passes.
Probable line-ups
Tusker FC
Brian Opondo, Collins Odhiambo, George Kaddu, Alex Onchwari, Charles Momanyi, Dennis Iguma, Issa Lumumba, Yakeen Mutheli, Ronny Otieno, Erick Kapaito, David Polepole.
KCB FC
Arnold Matumele: Rowland Makati, Fadhili Masoud, Clyde Senaji, Nashon Wekesa; Humphrey Mieno, Dennis Maruti, Vincent Ondabu; December Kisaka, Kelvin Etemesi, Boniface Omondi.
Key Pointers
Tusker have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches against KCB.
Tusker have won their last two opening-day fixtures with a 1-0 scoreline.
Our prediction: The match will end in a draw.
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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