Premier League: ‘Bao tano’ against Matano causes ripples

By , K24 Digital
On Tue, 3 Sep, 2019 00:14 | 2 mins read
Tusker coach Robert Matano.

Tusker FC is not only one of the country’s senior teams but is routinely considered as potential contenders for the top honours in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) every other season.

But since they last laid their hands on the crown in 2016, the bottlers appeared to have flattered to deceive in the last three seasons of the top-tier league, allowing Gor Mahia to clinch three silverwares on a trot.

In simple terms, Tusker has been a pale shadow of the team which reached dizzying heights some few years and not once, not twice do they go back to the drawing board in search of the lost glory in vain. 

The 2019/2020 season has just begun and although still early to ascertain whether the trend is likely to repeat itself, Tusker fans must be concerned with the team’s nightmarish start in a 5-2 beating by Gor on Saturday. 

“This is hardly the way we wanted to start the league. We gifted them (Gor) easy goals and have to work hard to improve in our next fixture,” Tusker coach Robert Matano said after the match.

Despite Tusker losing, their prolific striker Boniface Muchiri, who has been an integral part of the team’s striking force, was one of the stand-out players with a superb brace.

Muchiri is headed for trials in Sweden and the weekend performance is what might convince his suitors to give him a chance of playing big-time football in Europe.

Pride of place also goes to Gor captain Kenneth Muguna who also scored two goals that propelled the team to the highest weekend scoring margin.

Incidentally, the 2018 KPL Golden Boot Award winner Enos Ochieng’ of Ulinzi Stars also scored a double to steer the army side to a 2-0 win over newcomers Kisumu All Stars in Kisumu to prove that he is hungry to make a replica for the honours.

The fourth brace was witnessed at Kericho Green Stadium where hosts Zoo Kericho beat Chemelil Sugar 3-1, Kepha Ondati scoring in either half for the home team as Derrick Anami grabbed the other goal.

In the meantime, Sofapaka’s bad start in the league continued in a 2-1 defeat by Western Stima at Narok County Stadium which is now their permanent home turf.

Another team which made a statement of intent at the start of the league was KCB who blitzed Sony Sugar 3-0.

Elsewhere in Machakos on Saturday, Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers made a lukewarm start in a 2-2 draw.