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Tusker set for Europe pre-season camp

Tusker FC team lifting the 2016 Kenyan Premier title after beating Gor Mahia 1-0 on the final day at the Nyayo National Stadium.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Tusker FC team lifting the 2016 Kenyan Premier title after beating Gor Mahia 1-0 on the final day at the Nyayo National Stadium.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – Kenyan Premier League and GOtv Shield champions Tusker FC are planning for a pre-season training camp in Europe or Asia as they prepare for a return to the CAF Champions League next season as well as the defence of their twin titles.

Tusker Chief Executive Officer Charles Obiny disclosed to Capital Sport they are in talks with several clubs as they seek to move an inch higher and give the players a tougher and better stage of training ahead of an expected uphill season.

“We are talking to some people in Turkey and some in Asia to see the possibility of giving the team an opportunity to train there for two or three weeks because they have better facilities than us. It will be a great avenue for the team to gel especially with new players we want to bring on board and I hope that will be the beginning of new things to come,” Obiny disclosed.

“We have been going round talking to other clubs on how they have succeeded and whether we can borrow a leaf from them. They have enlightened us on what we should do and we are trying with our little resources to see what we can achieve.”

This will be the first time in a long time a Kenyan club will be going out of the continent for a training camp. This year, Tusker had their pre-season camp in Uganda where they played against several top flight sides, one factor that has been credited for their success this season.

Obiny has admitted it will be tough for them next season especially defending their titles, but remains confident the team has the ability to do it.

-Preparations-

Tusker FC head coach Paul Nkata with the Kenyan Premier League trophy.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Tusker FC head coach Paul Nkata with the Kenyan Premier League trophy.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Head Coach Paul Nkata believes the side’s performance in 2017 will be hugely dependant on how well they will have prepared.

“It is a tough call next season for us. Definitely, we have to prepare better and having camps outside the country is a huge thing for the club. Hopefully we will be better with that kind of training,” Nkata added.

Meanwhile, the club has landed their first transfer acquisition with out-of-contract Thika United defender Vincent Omumbo joining the Ruaraka based club on a two-year deal. The club is also chasing for the signature of Ugandan midfielder Sadam Juma who plays at Express FC.

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“We have held talks with the club and though there is nothing concrete at the moment, I am positive we will have fruitful talks in the coming days. He is a very good midfielder, aggressive and with a keen eye on goal. I know he is going to be a huge signing for us if we get him,” Obiny said.

-Ssempala to Vietnam-

Tusker FC players celebrate Shafik Batambuze's winner at the Afraha Stadium in nakuru. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Tusker FC players celebrate Shafik Batambuze’s winner at the Afraha Stadium in nakuru. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The club might also lose another Ugandan midfielder Hashim Ssempala who is currently on trials in Vietnam. Obiny says if the player who joined Tusker in June impresses his suitors, then they will give him an opportunity to leave.

The club is also in search of a striker with sources close to Capital Sport intimating they are directing their eyes to West Africa.

“We need a very good striker who can complement Allan Wanga. I think that was one area last season in which we struggled in a bit. We are not intending to sign many players. Just three and we are good to go. Overall we have a very good squad,” the official complemented.

He also added they will give head coach Nkata everything he requires to make the team stronger, adding they kept faith in him when nobody else gave him a chance when he was hired from Muhoroni Youth in January.

“No one gave him a chance when he came and everyone was saying he cannot make it. We talked to him and assured him of our support and that is why we are where we are today,” Obiny added.

The team is expected to resume training on December 27.

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