Robert Matano’s Tusker FC kicked off their preseason tour in neighbouring Tanzania on a sour note as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Tanzania Premier League outfit Coastal Union on Thursday afternoon.
In the match played at Ushirika Stadium in Moshi, the last season league runners up went behind courtesy of a 21st minute strike from Gerald Gwalala and were unable to make any significant roads to prevent them from losing the friendly tie.
The Brewers, who unveiled their five new signings just before leaving the country, embarked on the trip to Bongo over the weekend in readiness for the new 2023/24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season kicking off on 26 August.
Among the five players they signed included goalkeeper Edwin Simiyu who was promoted from the youth team, Joseph Mwangi from Nzoia Sugar FC, James Kibande from Kenya Police FC, Fabian Adikiny from Murang’a Seal and John Byamukana from Gaddafi FC of Uganda.
This is after the club let go of seven players to make room for the new signings including Michael Wanjala, Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia, Shami Mwinyi, Kevin Monyi, David Majak and Kalos Kirenge.
Last season, the Brewers missed out on the league and cup titles in a cruel manner as they lost the league to Gor Mahia on the final day and lost the cup final to Kakamega Homeboyz, and Matano believes that the fresh blood injected into the team will spur his charges.
“I am delighted by the new players that we have included in the team. I am certain they are the right profile of players we need to take the club’s performance to a level higher, and hopefully they can help us win trophies next season.
Our next step is now to integrate them into the team, ensuring they understand our playing philosophy and what we are trying to achieve, and I am certain they can move us forward,” said Matano ahead of the Tanzanian trip.
In Tanzania, Tusker were set to face off with Mbuni FC, Burundian side Vital’O and Singida but a change in programme will now see them play Mbuni FC on Saturday at the Sheikh Abed Karume Stadium in Arusha following the Union clash.
Tusker begin their FKF Premier League season away to Bandari FC on August 26.
