Tusker focused on retaining FKFPL title not chasing Gor Mahia, says Matano

Image: Tusker FC

FKFPL Tusker focused on retaining FKFPL title not chasing Gor Mahia, says Matano

Joel Omotto • 11:45 - 06.04.2023

The Brewers have moved to within touching distance of K'Ogalo

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano says his team will not be distracted by their tussle with Gor Mahia for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title.

Matano’s side left it late to beat AFC Leopards 1-0 on Wednesday to move to within four points of leaders Gor with a game in hand over K’Ogalo but Matano is only focused on seeing Tusker retain their title and not who else is in the fight.

“It is (the win) massive because we are closing the gap, we are behind Gor Mahia maybe four, three points,” said Matano, whose side are second on the long with 42 points from 21 matches.

“That’s good for us also but we are not playing for Gor Mahia or to close the gap. We are playing to win the games so that we can retain our trophy,” he added.

While he is downplaying the title fight, Matano will find it hard to get Gor out of his mind given K’Ogalo have also been relentless and nearly made it a six-point lead were it not for a stubborn Sofapaka who forced them to settle for a barren draw on Wednesday.

KCB are also just a point behind even if they have played one match more than Tusker, making the title fight more spicy. Tusker will need to maintain a high level of consistency if they are to retain their title and draws like those witnessed last month against struggling Ulinzi Stars and FC Talanta will not be helpful.

It does not get any better for Matano’s men as they have Sofapaka next and if David Ouma’s charges employ the same approach witnessed against Gor, Tusker will be in for a tough afternoon on Sunday.

Victory for Tusker on Sunday will put them in good stead for the run-in, especially with meetings against Gor, KCB, as well as the tricky Police FC and Nzoia Sugar yet to come.