Tusker kicked off their pre-season preparations on Monday at their Ruaraka Grounds ahead of the new season’s kick off that has been set for August 24.The 12-time league champions, who finished second last season, are facing uncertainty regarding their coaching staff, with longstanding reports indicating possible changes before the new season commences.##NAJAVA_MECA_8213797##Robert Matano, who has been in charge of the team for six years, has been at odds with the club hierarchy and was reportedly on the verge of departing.Last season, there was a public spat between him and club chairman Charles Gacheru after the club boss threatened to fire him if he did not improve the team’s performance by beating Gor Mahia in the first leg. They buried the hatchet, and the veteran tactician went on to finish the season with the club.Sofapaka closing in on new shirt sponsorDespite the ongoing speculation, Matano took charge of training on Monday, adding to the confusion surrounding his future with the club.”We do not know what is happening because even before the season ended, there were rumors that we would have a new coach this season, but the talks have since cooled down,” a source within the club disclosed.”Matano was in charge of training today, and now it is just a matter of waiting to see if there will be a new coach coming in or if he will be the man in charge.”Meanwhile, a number of new faces reported for training today as the club is keen on landing their services. Among them are three defenders: Emmanuel Otieno from Nairobi United, Alex Onchwari from Muhoroni Youth, and Alvin Ochieng from Gor Mahia, as well as Murang’a Seal winger Eric Balecho.Tusker has lost last season’s top scorer Eric Kapaito to Namungo of Tanzania, while right-back Daniel Sakari has been linked with a move to Kenya Police after turning down Tusker’s renewal offer.Gor Mahia set to open Coal City Cup campaign against seven-time Brazilian champions
