Tusker coach Okere elated with new signings’ impact

Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has expressed satisfaction with the performance and integration of the club's new signings, praising their contribution in recent friendly matches.

Okere spoke on Thursday evening following a 1-1 draw against TBM Health Services in Kisumu, a build-up match in which several new players were handed opportunities to showcase their abilities.

“Today we just wanted to give more minutes to the new signings and see what they have on board. I am impressed by how they are playing, and they are giving us what we want,” Okere told Citizen Digital.

Starting his second season at the helm, Okere fielded a largely changed lineup compared to the side that edged APs Bomet 1-0 earlier in the week. Only defender Alex Onchwari and forward David Polepole retained their places in the starting XI from Tuesday’s friendly.

Among the new faces who featured were defenders Eugene Ikutwa and Francis Oduor, along with midfielders Vincent Otieno, Cliff Oruko and Curtis Wekesa.

“Against APs, I saw good cohesion in the midfield from players like Ronney, Issa Lumumba, and Kapaito. And, today, I have seen defenders Eugene Ikutwa and Francis Oduor, and midfielders Vincent Otieno, Cliff Oruko, and Curtis Wekesa doing great. This is a good sign for the team,” Okere observed.

Despite his satisfaction with the attacking build-up and individual performances, Okere emphasised the need for improvement in defensive organisation.

“We need to start defending as a team. Right now, we are making good attacks, but we are not defending well collectively. We’ll be working on that, especially because we’re heading into a very tough season. Many teams have made significant signings and are well prepared for the challenge ahead,” he noted.

The former Tusker Youth tactician is keen on sharpening both ends of the pitch as the team builds up to the new campaign.

This comes barely two days after his assistant George Maina admitted that despite the narrow win against APS Bomet, there is still work to be done defensively.

“That friendly match [against APs Bomet] helped us know that we are not defending as a team, and that is a weakness we are going to work on before our season opener.”

Tusker have lost defender Mike Kibwage to Gor Mahia, while last season’s top scorer Ryan-Wesley Ogam completed a high-profile move to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC.

To reinforce the squad, Tusker have already captured the signatures of several new faces including goalkeeper Brandon Obiero, defenders: Eugene Ikutwa, Francis Oduor, and George Odhiambo (promoted from Tusker Youth). Midfielders: Issa Rashid Lumumba, Vincent Otieno, Dennis Oalo, Cliff Oruko and forwards Ronny Otieno, Vincent Muteheli, Amos Wekesa, Douglas Nyaosi, David Polepole (promoted from Tusker Youth), and Eric Kapaito (returned from Tanzanian side Namungo FC)

Tusker will launch their title chase with a home match against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) on 20th September, before hitting the road for back-to-back away fixtures against Posta Rangers and Mathare United.