‘Title is ours to loss’ – Matano roars

Tusker coach Robert Matano is confident they have what it takes to beat Gor Mahia to the FKF Premier League title after they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday.

The Brewers needed a second-half strike from Mike Oduor to silence the visiting side at Ruaraka grounds and move to within two points of leaders Gor Mahia, who managed a 0-0 draw away to Wazito FC at Muhoroni Stadium.

The outcome of Gor Mahia’s game has elated Matano who believes the title race is still wide open and they have a chance to overtake their rivals from the summit as they still have a game in hand.

“We have reduced Gor Mahia’s lead [at the top] by two points and we still have a game in hand so I think we still have a chance to catch up with them and even overtake them,” Matano told People Daily Sports.

Matano admitted the slim victory against Homeboyz was vital as the visitors had always proved a hurt nut to crack in their previous fixtures.

“I had warned earlier that Homeboyz is not an easy game and they clearly showed how prepared and difficult they were to break them down,” Matano said, adding: “We had to dig deep to get the victory and I am very happy we have moved to within two points of Gor Mahia, it was a vital win for us.”

With Tusker in the race to win the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup, Matano was asked about the prospects of winning a double this season.

“Of course, we have a chance to win a double, we are in the semi-finals of the domestic Cup and second on the league table, we have to take it a game at a time but we have the chance, it is possible if we do what we are supposed to do,” added Matano.

“I don’t want my players to get carried away [because they are in a good position to clinch a double], we want to take it a game at a time, target positive results, and see what we will have achieved at the end of the season.

“We also need to take our chances, we create good chances but don’t use them, we need to be clinical in front of the goal, and this will be the only way to help ourselves to the title.”

The victory pushed Tusker to 61 points from 29 matches, two less than leaders Gor Mahia, who have played the same number of matches.

Tusker have won 18 matches, drawn seven, and lost four, and will next come up against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday while Gor Mahia will face AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji derby on Sunday.