Sportpesa League: Tusker ready for new season kick off after Kisumu preseason

Tusker coach Charles Okere says his side is ready and full of confidence ahead of the 2025–2026 Sportpesa League kick off on Friday evening against KCB at Nyayo Stadium.

The brewers wrapped up their week-long pre-season training camp in Kisumu with a 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium.

The camp also included friendly matches against APS Bomet and Kisumu’s TBM, giving the team vital match fitness and an opportunity to gel.

Speaking after the final session, Okere praised his players for their effort and the progress made. “We have wrapped up the camp with a 2-0 win; two goals plus a clean sheet and that is something very positive as we approach our first game of the season,” he said.

While the victories were welcome, Okere explained that results were not the main focus of the camp. Instead, the emphasis was on building unity within the squad.

“What we wanted was more of team building. We have new players in the team and we need them to understand our philosophy. We gave them more minutes to see them applying what we have learnt under pressure. This camp was a plus for us and I thank the management for their support to make this possible.”

The Tusker coach added that the week in Kisumu gave the players time to bond off the pitch as well, something he believes will be key in the long season ahead.

“Team building is not an easy thing. The one week we have been here has helped us identify strengths and weaknesses of each other. We take this as a positive step especially in a new season. We need to embrace this more even during the season. We can have more camps to build cohesion and integration. We believe this has been positive. Two wins, one draw against very good teams.”

Looking back at the entire pre-season, which stretched over seven weeks, Okere was quick to applaud his technical bench and the squad.

“We are thankful for the seven weeks we have had of pre-season training. Scouting and recruiting players then working to employ match tactics is not an easy task but we have done it and I believe we will have a positive season ahead.”

With the Kisumu camp concluded, Tusker return to Nairobi focused on their opening match against Robert Matano’s KCB, a clash that promises fireworks as two ambitious sides begin their title chase.