Tusker FC Stumbles in Early Season Fixtures

Nairobi, Kenya – Tusker FC's challenging start to the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season continued on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as they were held to a goalless draw by Mathare United at Dandora Stadium. This result marks their third consecutive match without a win, leaving the Brewers with a solitary point from a possible nine.

The draw follows two earlier defeats for Tusker: a 2-0 loss to KCB and a 2-1 defeat against Posta Rangers. Head coach Charles Okere expressed frustration over the team's inability to convert scoring opportunities. “We created enough chances to win two matches, but the finishing let us down,” Okere stated after the match.

Context of the Season

The 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season, organised by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), commenced on September 20, 2025, featuring 18 clubs. Each team is scheduled to play 34 matches in a round-robin format, both home and away. The league champion will secure a spot in the CAF Champions League, while the FKF Cup winner or league runner-up will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

Tusker FC, a club founded in 1969 and sponsored by East African Breweries, boasts a rich history with 13 Kenyan Premier League titles, four Kenyan Cup titles, and five CECAFA Club Cups. Despite their decorated past, their current form places them 17th in the KPL table with 0 points from two matches played, having scored 1 goal and conceded 4.

In contrast, Mathare United currently sits in 8th position in the league standings with 3 points from two matches. Their recent form includes a 1-0 victory against KCB. Mathare United has played two matches this season, winning one and losing one, with a total of two goals scored and two conceded.

Stakeholder Reactions and Implications

Coach Okere acknowledged the difficult period for Tusker, noting the team had conceded four goals in two matches due to controllable circumstances. He emphasised that the team has been working on defensive improvements in training. Despite the poor start, Okere remains optimistic, highlighting the positives from their pre-season performance.

The draw against Mathare United extends Tusker's winless streak at home to eight matches, all of which have been draws. This prolonged struggle to secure victories at their home ground, Ruaraka Stadium, which has a capacity of 4,000 fans, adds to the pressure on the team.

Evidence and Data

• Match Result: Tusker FC 0-0 Mathare United (October 1, 2025)
• Tusker FC League Position: 17th (0 points from 2 matches, 1 goal scored, 4 goals conceded)
• Mathare United League Position: 8th (3 points from 2 matches, 2 goals scored, 2 goals conceded)
• Tusker FC Previous Results: Lost 2-0 to KCB, Lost 2-1 to Posta Rangers.
• Mathare United Previous Result: Won 1-0 against KCB.
• Head-to-Head (Overall): In 31 matches since 2015, Tusker FC has won 13, Mathare United 7, and 11 have been draws.
• Tusker FC Home Form (Current Season): 0 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
• Mathare United Away Form (Current Season): 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses.

Risks and Implications

Tusker's continued poor form could significantly impact their standing in the league and their chances of qualifying for continental competitions. The mounting pressure on Coach Okere and the team to deliver results will intensify with each passing game. For Mathare United, securing a draw against a historically strong team like Tusker, especially away from home, is a positive step in their campaign and could boost team morale.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on Tusker FC's upcoming fixtures to see if Coach Okere can rally his squad and address their finishing woes. Their ability to convert chances and secure wins in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their trajectory this season. Mathare United will aim to build on this draw and continue their steady performance in the league.