Tusker coach Robert Matano remains tight lipped as pressure to deliver mounts

A time like this last season, Tusker FC was cruising in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) campaign.

The Brewers were enjoying a rich vein of form, and had won six out of six matches, and were top of the league with a healthy points difference.

Coach Robert Matano, also known as the Lion, was buoyant and never missed a moment to grant an interview with the press.

Yet, fast forward to this season, and things are looking exactly opposite, and the Lion is avoiding the media like plague.

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In six games of the 2023/24 season played so far, the 12-time champions have only registered two wins and equal number of losses and draws.

The team is occupying eighth position on the table standings with eight points - eight off runaway leaders Posta Rangers.

"I don't want to talk about football now, I have other things occupying my mind," was Matano's response when asked what could be ailing the giant.

Matano was under siege after Tusker lost 1-0 to newbies Shabana FC in their last league fixture as fans accosted him outside Kasarani Stadium demanding answers.

Despite losing, the Brewers did not play well in the game, angering their handful of supporters.

"We have lost the game and everyone feels hurt, but you all know that I am a winner myself,” Matano addressed the angry fans.

“I have talked to the players. Whoever does not work hard will stay away," he promised.

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Tusker's next fixture will be against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

K'Ogalo is still basking in the glory of beating arch rivals AFC Leopards 2-0 in the Mashemeji Derby which they dominated.

As part of their preparations for the match, the record 20-time champions recently beat Kahawa Barracks 8-0 in a friendly.