Tusker FC has wrapped up its week-long pre-season training camp in Kisumu, rounding it off with a 2-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The camp, which also featured friendly matches against APS Bomet and local Kisumu side TBM, has been hailed as a crucial step in preparing the team for the new season.
Head coach Charles Okere expressed satisfaction with the gains made over the week in the lakeside city. “We have wrapped up the camp with a 2-0 win; two goals plus a clean sheet and that is something very positive as we approach our first game of the season,” he said.
Beyond results, Okere emphasized that the primary objective of the camp was team cohesion.
“What we wanted was more of team building. We have new players in the team and we need them to understand our philosophy. We gave them more minutes to see them applying what we have learnt under pressure. This camp was a plus for us and I thank the management for their support to make this possible.”
The coach noted that the intensive week in Kisumu gave the squad a chance to bond and better understand one another both on and off the pitch.
“Team building is not an easy thing. The one week we have been here has helped us identify strengths and weaknesses of each other. We take this as a positive step especially in a new season. We need to embrace this more even during the season. We can have more camps to build cohesion and integration. We believe this has been positive. Two wins, one draw against very good teams,” the tactician opined.
Reflecting on the entire seven week pre-season period, Okere lauded the effort put in by both players and staff, while also underlining the challenges of preparation.
“We are thankful for the seven weeks we have had of pre-season training. Scouting and recruiting players then working to employ match tactics is not an easy task but we have done it and I believe we will have a positive season ahead.”
With the camp concluded, Tusker now returns to Nairobi full of confidence and momentum as they shift focus to the opening fixture of the new FKF Premier League season on Friday against KCB at Nyayo Stadium.
