With just four rounds of matches played in the 2022/23 Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign, at least for most teams, Tusker FC have made clear their intent and lead the summit with the maximum points, 12.As early as it may seem, the Robert Matano-coached side is already being mentioned in the lines of a title defense, but can they go all the way?Although they have not been convincing enough in some of the matches they have played, specifically in the last two, they have mastered the art of getting results even when they have been the second-best team in the match. they proved that with their 1-0 win over AFC Leopards and in a similar win over Bidco United last weekend at Thika Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_6890959##Matano, touted as the best tactician in the country has instilled a winning mentality in his team. To him, winning is a cult, irrespective of everything else, and he has passed the cult to his players. the winning mentality gives Tusker a cutting edge over their competitors,and that could play a huge role in deciding this season’s title.With the 1-0 win today against Bidco United, @tusker_fc matched their best start to a league campaign by winning the opening four matches in a row.The last time they made such a start was in 2011 where they won the league. Intent.#FKFPL #Tusker pic.twitter.com/WPoYM2Bg2X— OptaKe (@ke_opta) December 10, 2022 This weekend, the Brewers should have hosted Wazito FC at Ruaraka Grounds in a match that they would have been gunning for a record-breaking win.They have so far won the first four matches of the campaign, equaling the 2011 record on the same front and a fifth one will have them set the best winning start to a campaign in the club’s history. They will have to achieve that with a tougher fixture against KCB in midweek, just break the Christmas break.But, who could match Tusker’s challenge this season?Your guess is as good as mine. Gor Mahia.The record Kenyan champions have played two matches so far and picked maximum points as well, beating Nzoia Sugar 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium and following it with a 2-1 win over Bidco United in Thika.Is Gor Mahia’s pre-season form a thing of concern?They have been inactive the past two weekends where they were set to play the embattled duo of Mathare United and Wazito FC, and perhaps that could have dented their momentum from the winning start, but that remains to be seen when they take on Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday.However, Gor Mahia’s depleted squad could be the biggest undoing but that could be a thing in the mid-season transfer window. Whom they sign in mid-season will be instrumental in deciding which was their pendulum swings.AFC Leopards could have been one of the best contenders for the title this season, but they could even struggle to finish in the top five with their emaciated squad. Having the registration of ten of their players blocked was such a big blow, and it will show as the season rolls out, if the situation persists to the end of the campaign.Coach Patrick Aussems has done a splendid job in drilling a style of play in his side, but with a weakened force, it will be hard for him to guide his side to the title this season. Unlike many others, he has stayed, done his bit, but ghosts from the past have come to haunt the club throwing much of what he has been working on together with the other members of the technical bench in limbo.Ingwe to miss ten key players in FKFPL opener due to transfer banKCB have had a stuttering start to the season, but they have the capability to take Tusker head-to-head on paper. They have a strong support system from their facilitators but do they have the pedigree to do so?While at it, do not ignore Kakamega Homeboyz though they would have to punch beyond their weight following the exodus they faced before the start of the season.
