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Okere is frustrated at one factor about his team he needs to correct especially during the 3-2 loss to Kariobangi Sharks, where they squandered a 2-0 lead.
Tusker head coach Charles Okere has called on his players to take responsibility for each other if they are to stand a chance of maintaining winning momentum in the quest to win the league title this year following their 3-2 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks last weekend.
The Brewers had initially taken control of the match with a 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from Ryan Ogam and Charles Momanyi. However, a second-half collapse saw them surrender their advantage, with Sharks mounting a remarkable comeback to snatch all three points.
Keith Imbali began the fightback for Sharks with a well-taken goal, before new signing Ally Salum turned the tide, netting a brace, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The result sent Kariobangi Sharks to the top of the FKF Premier League standings, while Tusker were left licking their wounds.
"We were in control of the match, and given it was an away game, our plan after going ahead was to defend smartly and launch effective attacks," a visibly frustrated Okere told the club’s media team following the match.
Despite the promising start, Okere was critical of his team’s inability to hold onto their lead, citing issues with the substitutions and the team’s overall discipline, particularly from his forwards.
"We made substitutions, but unfortunately, some players, especially the strikers, did not help cover the midfield, which opened us up," he added.
With their next match against Kakamega Homeboyz looming on Saturday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Okere has urged his players to adhere more strictly to tactical instructions.
He appeared to single out the performance of Erick Balecho, Lawrence Luvanda, and Shapan Siwa, who started as wide players and the number 10, respectively, suggesting they failed to carry out their defensive duties. This was a key part of the team’s strategy to remain compact off the ball.
“We had plenty of chances ourselves to consolidate the match, but we make things difficult for ourselves. We have to take our chances. Sharks took theirs and made them count. It gives me so much stress as a coach because we’ve worked hard to strengthen our attack, but they didn’t do their job," Okere lamented.
The Tusker coach emphasised the need for improvement in every game, particularly when it comes to converting opportunities and maintaining focus throughout the match.
“Each and every game is an opportunity to improve on the areas we didn’t do well as a team. Today, I won’t blame any individual, but rather the whole team because we play as one. That’s an area where we need to build the players’ mental strength. We were 2-0 up at some point but lost 3-2, which is extremely unfortunate for us.”
Both Tusker and Kakamega Homeboyz have much to play for in their upcoming encounter. Homeboyz, under coach Ken Kenyatta, are still searching for their first win of the season, while Tusker will be eager to bounce back and mount pressure on reigning champions Gor Mahia, who are yet to kick off their domestic campaign due to continental commitments.
For Okere, Saturday’s match presents the perfect chance for his team to regroup and rediscover their winning formula.
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