Ex-Harambee Stars Defender on Crucial Factor That Could Make Tusker, AFC Leopards Bounce Back in Title Race

Former Kenyan international James Situma believes that traditional powerhouses AFC Leopards and Tusker FC have what it takes to recover from their disappointing start to the Premier League season.

After four rounds of matches, Leopards and Tusker find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of 15th and 16th place, respectively. However, Situma is confident that the current international break will provide the perfect opportunity for both clubs to regroup and turn their fortunes around.

"I am very positive that this international break will give teams like Tusker a breather to bounce back very strongly," Situma commented on Citizen Digital.

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While the giants have faltered, Situma praised the impressive form of this season's early front-runners. He highlighted the strong performances of newly-promoted Shabana FC, Posta Rangers, and Bidco United, who have emerged as a surprise package.

"When you look at this season, there are teams like Shabana, Posta, and Bidco who have packaged themselves as a surprise group, while teams like Tusker have struggled," he noted.

Shabana currently leads the table, with Posta Rangers in second and Bidco United in fourth. Situma lauded Shabana for carrying their momentum from the end of last season into the new campaign.

"At the top, when you look at leaders Shabana, they have picked up from where they left off last season, which they finished very strongly," he explained.

The former Sofapaka and Tusker player also had special praise for Bidco United's head coach, Antony Akhulia. Despite a massive squad overhaul that saw nearly 20 players depart and a similar number arrive, Akhulia has built a competitive side.

"I can say head coach Antony Akhulia has done a brilliant job," Situma said. "He has been able to build a very strong team which has now won their first two matches this season."

He also acknowledged the solid start by Posta Rangers, who have secured two wins and a draw in their opening three fixtures to sit level on points with the league leaders.