FC Talanta head coach Jackson Gatheru is placing his faith in returning striker Emmanuel Osoro ahead of a season-defining FKF Premier League clash against Murang’a Seal on Sunday, 22 June in Murang’a.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Kenya Academy of Sports-owned club will have to secure a win against Seal to boost their chances of playing in the top tier next season.The stakes could not be higher for Talanta, who find themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Police’s game plan against Shabana that delivered maiden league titleThe team sits 14th on the log with 35 points, just three points separating them and basement boys Bidco United.A win against AFC Leopards was likely to secure top-flight status with a game to spare, but with the 3-1 loss, they were dragged into a tense final-day showdown against Seal.Gatheru believes Osoro’s return from national team duty could be the difference in what promises to be a tense final match.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977532##“We missed him. The good thing is that when Osoro is on the pitch, we are always confident that something special will happen. He has that spark, and he can score at any moment. Now he is back with even more experience and he’s fully fit,” Gatheru told Mozzart Sport during a training session on Monday morning.Osoro made his full debut for Harambee Stars on Tuesday, 10 June against Chad, and he did not disappoint. He marked the occasion with a goal and an assist in Kenya’s 2-1 win. Kenya U20 forward defers studies at Kenyatta University after landing dealThat form is exactly what Talanta hopes to harness as they try to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.Gatheru also welcomed the break, noting that several of his players have returned from knocks and that the team is now in shape.“I’m grateful for the break. Our squad is now intact, the players are fresh, and our history shows we tend to do well after such breaks. We trained well, and Osoro has looked sharp in the last two sessions. We believe he is ready,” he revealed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977532##The coach also outlined a clear attacking approach for the match.“We will be on the front foot. We will be there to look for goals because at this point, only a win helps us. Of course, we will defend well too,” he offered.That first-leg loss to Seal is still fresh in the players’ minds. The wounded Talanta will head to the match hoping to avenge and determined to keep their top-tier spot.FKF responds to criticism from former CEO aspirantWith everything on the line, Gatheru issued a rallying call to the fans.“Please turn up and support the boys. It’s going to be a great match. We’re praying for victory and with your backing, we can make it happen,” he concluded.
