Dubbed ‘Tusker Fresh’, a new-look Brewers side – either based on a new head coach, new home and away kit, and a fresh set of player incomings – has already set a higher bar this incoming season, and one that should translate in perhaps a new shelf in their decent trophy cabinet.Having come close to winning the league title two seasons ago (they finished just a point behind eventual champions Gor Mahia), the 2023-24 campaign in its way felt like a step-back, despite still finishing as the best of bridesmaids.##NAJAVA_MECA_8292272##A rather boisterous start to the season – one that could only be challenged by the famous hot Posta Rangers – was followed by an unexpected slump later in the year.And despite the team picking up form at the turn of the year, the eventual tally was not enough to rival K’Ogalo, who this time coasted to another championship, finishing eight points clear of Tusker – for yet another trophy-less campaign.The future for Tusker as mentioned earlier on, now has a new coach – Charles Okere – who comes in to replace the legendary Robert Matano, who was the highest profile exit post the 2023-24 season, alongside some influential players namely: Brian Bwire, Eugene Asike, Daniel Sakari and Erick Kapaito.🟡⚫| Are you ready for home time? We are just three days away from our first game of the season, the start of a new era, the start of #TuskerFresh.#KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/kVxckGC6An— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) August 21, 2024 In now common Tusker fashion, they have hit the market, and brought on key players set to make amends in the journey I now christen “A por la 14.”Among the new names include: Jacob Onyango, Alex Onchwari, Thomas Omole, Joseph Ochuka, Boban Zirintusa, Eric Balecho, Dennis Wanjala, George Kaddu and Yusuf Mainge.Based on a decent pre-season in Uganda, where the team registered two wins out of three, and with younger, fresher personnel added to a team that its worst season in five years is finishing third (19-20), the big question heading to the new campaign is and should be Why Not Us?I struggle to find an answer.Cue Thomas Teka’s recent comments: “We have a balanced squad that is capable of winning the league title. We have twice come close to it, and I believe the lessons learnt, and the kind of players we brought in will get us over the line.”Why Tusker defender believes FKFPL title will be theirs to lose in new seasonTalisma(e)nThe squad will without a doubt ride on the experienced heads still at the club, and none will offer much leadership as those of Charles Momanyi and Michael Kibwage, who will on top of their captaincy roles provide an anchor in a much-changed department.Young talentHaving had a taste of top-flight football last season and incredibly passing the test, all eyes will once again be on the youthful Chrispine Erambo, who will now be a sure starter in the team, and keen to add more fire, and composure to his energetic plays in midfield.Very important week as we prepare for the start of the new season. We are up against Sofapaka on Saturday and we aim to start well. Vital to prepare well.#Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/fxe3g97kbc— Michael Kibwage 12 (@12Kibwage) August 20, 2024 Head coach Okere, a familiar figure at Ruaraka has been handed the reins to lead the club forward and offers a different approach to that of his predecessor.Early indications point to a more cohesive dressing room, more backing from the club and more pressure.With the club still torn on whether to appoint a new permanent name, it is the latter point that could make or break the first-time Premier League coach.Tusker outline lofty targets set for next head coachFirst five fixtures The Brewers kick off their campaign with a trip to Machakos to face Sofapaka – who only survived relegation via the playoffs – before facing Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz at home.Perhaps the toughest one of the five will be on Sunday 29 September, when they face Kenya Police away, before closing it out with FC Talanta.📝| Here is our first assignment of the season. Time to romp in our gorgeous new yellow! #TuskerFresh #KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/7umtkVN80C— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) August 20, 2024 Potential challengesAs simple as it sounds, expectations. Being a properly run club, all the aforementioned near misses plus investment means a reward must be met at the end.How a rookie coach and a bunch of new players handle the pressure of outcome will be vital.Add in the extra headache of searching for a home ground since Ruaraka does not, and maybe has not ever, cut it.
