The Brewers under coach Charles Okere started the season on a low note losing their opener 2-0 against KCB, who are handled by their former coach Robert Matano. Tusker then lost 2-1 against Posta Rangers, drew 0-0 against Mathare United, and 1-1 against Shabana.
Their first win came on matchday five against Murang’a Seal in the away contest at SportsPesa Arena before they picked their second on matchday six - a 2-1 victory against Kariobangi Sharks.
Homeboyz have won three consecutive matches
Ahead of their matchday seven clash against Homeboyz, Tusker assistant coach George Maina believes the team is ready and prepared to keep the winning momentum.
"We’ve had a good response from the players in the last two matches, and you can see the confidence slowly building. The group is more settled now, the energy is positive, and everyone understands the importance of consistency moving forward," said Maina.
Maina, however, admitted Tusker will face a tough task against a Homeboyz side, who are currently sitting at the top of the 18-team league table with 13 points from six matches.
"Homeboyz are a very organised team and have started the season really well. We know it will be a tough game. We played them during pre-season and managed to win 2-0, but a league match is a completely different ball game. They’ve improved, and we have to be at our best to get a result," he added.
Homeboyz have won four matches, drawn one and lost one. They started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Mara Sugar, before recovering to beat Sofapaka 1-0. Homeboyz then lost 2-0 against promoted side Nairobi United.
However, since the defeat against United, Homeboyz have gone ahead to win three straight matches.
The first win was a 3-1 result against Bidco United, a 3-1 win against Ulinzi Stars, and a 2-1 victory against promoted side APS Bomet. Speaking on behalf of the players, goalkeeper Brian Opondo echoed coach Maina’s sentiments, revealing that the team’s turnaround began after a frank meeting among players following a difficult start to the campaign.
"After the tough start, we sat down as a group and talked openly about what needed to change. Since then, the mentality has been different, and you can see the results. Everyone is fighting for each other now," said Opondo, who recently earned a call-up to the national team Harambee Stars ahead of their friendly matches against Madagascar and Comoros in Antalya, Turkey in November.
On his call-up to the national team, Opondo said: "It’s always an honour to represent the country. The call-up gives me extra motivation to keep working hard, help the team, and maintain good form at the club level."
Last season, the fixture did not provide a winner as the first round ended in a 2-2 draw before the reverse ended in a 0-0 draw. In the previous campaign, Tusker won the first round 1-0, but Homeboyz recovered to win the reverse fixture 1-0.
Meanwhile, in other fixtures, champions Kenya Police FC will return to action after their exit from the CAF Champions League with a fixture against Posta Rangers, while former champions Gor Mahia will be at Kasarani Stadium to host Ulinzi Stars.
FKF Premier League matchday seven
Sunday;
AFC Leopards vs Mathare United
