What has led to Tusker FC's current devastating form?

After tearing Chemelil Sugar apart with a 5-1 thumping, Tusker were at their scoring best again, inflicting one of the worst defeats on league contenders Sofapaka with a 5-0 thrashing.

Not only did Tusker continue their impressive scoring record in the second leg of the Tusker Premier League, the club's leading striker Jesse Were helped himself to the second consecutive hat trick to bring his total tally in the league to 16.

Tusker struggled during the first leg of the league, with the club's results including a 2-2 draw against Muhoroni Youth, a 1-0 defeat to Bandari, a 1-1 stalemate against Mathare United, a 1-0 beating from KCB, a 1-2 loss to Sofapaka, and of course, the 1-0 defeat they suffered against league leaders Gor Mahia in their final match of the first leg.

However, during the same period, the club registered impressive wins (3-1 away to western Stima, 3-0 away to Nakuru All Stars, and 2-0 against Sony Sugar) to indicate they had great attacking potential.

This has come out clearly in the second leg, with the other results during the period being a 3-0 win against Nakuru All Stars and a hard fought 1-1 draw against a rejunenated Ulinzi Stars. The club's goal tally is now only bettered by that of Gor Mahia.

The rebuilding done by Coach Francis Kimanzi appears to be finally bearing fruit and if the club continues in the same path, do not bet against them challenging strongly for the title next season.

Coach Kimanzi strongly believes in coach-player loyalty, a fact well proven during his stints as Harambee Stars and Mathare United Coach. A careful look at players currently playing for him will reveal a collection of faces that featured for him at Mathare United and Sofapaka.

The players include goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng, defenders James Situma, Lloyd Wahome, Eugine Asike and Aboud Omar, midfielders Humphrey Mieno and Osborne Monday, as well as striker Kevin Kimani. Current league top scorer Jesse Were also previously played for Mathare United.

Kimanzi's strong belief in defending players' rights previously got him into serious trouble with Kenyan football administrators, contributing to his sacking during his first  stint as Harambee Stars coach. Kimanzi is a very good coach tactically but I believe that this strong player-coach bond is also contributing to the current good form of Tusker FC.