Tusker coach praises duo after securing first win of congested December schedule

Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has outlined a deliberate squad-management strategy as the Brewers brace for a demanding end to the 2025 calendar year.

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Speaking during a post-match interview after Tusker secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Ulinzi Stars in Murang’a, Okere revealed that the club will heavily rely on rotation to cope with the congested December schedule.

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Tusker are set to play three matches in just 11 days, a tight sequence Okere believes demands fresh legs and tactical balance.

"There is little space between matches and we need a good plan to ensure we maintain freshness in each game,” Okere noted. "We must also get it right in terms of squad rotation because we have a big squad and all players are capable when given the opportunity.”

Reflecting on the victory over Ulinzi Stars, a side enjoying a decent resurgence in recent weeks, the former Harambee Starlets tactician expressed satisfaction with both the result, and his team’s defensive discipline.

Dennis Oalo’s well-taken first-half penalty was enough to separate the two sides in a tightly contested encounter as Tusker registered maximum points in back to back outings.

The win marked the 12 time champions fourth triumph of the campaign, lifting them to third place on the 18-team FKF Premier League table with 18 points, just one shy of joint leaders Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz.

"It is a positive and great feeling to secure these three points, and with a clean sheet,” Okere said. “Starting December with a win signals good things to come. This result boosts our morale.”

The Tusker boss further revealed that their game plan centered on possession-based football, which helped them dictate tempo, and manage Ulinzi’s physical and pressing approach.

"We studied Ulinzi well and understood their strengths and weaknesses,” he explained. “They are a tough team and we knew they would pile pressure on us. But our players executed the game plan brilliantly.”

The CAF A-licensed coach also lauded goalkeeper Brandon Obiero and defender Eugen Ikutwa, both of whom impressed in their second consecutive starts for the club.

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Obiero, who made his debut last week against Mara Sugar, recorded a second straight clean sheet, while Ikutwa put in another composed performance in the backline.

"They have done really well in the last two matches,” Okere said. “It all comes down to belief. They are understanding our strategy and how we want to play. Hopefully, they can maintain this consistency.”

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Tusker will return to action next week when they face 2009 champions Sofapaka FC, as Okere hopes his rotation plan and renewed squad energy will keep the 2022 league winners firmly in the title chase during a hectic December run.