Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti has expressed that his primary objective this season is not to win the FKF Cup, but rather to secure the club’s promotion to the top-tier league next season.
United, who are leading the National Super League standings with 44 points, are just one point ahead of second-placed APS Bomet after 21 matches as both are vying for promotion in the 25/26 season.
Furthermore, the Johnson Sakaja-sponsored side has gained an advantage in the Football Kenya Federation Cup, having defeated top-tier giants Tusker in the round of 32 to secure a place in the last 16.
In a match played at the Dandora Stadium over the weekend, Tusker were held to a 1-1 draw in regular time, with United emerging victorious after a penalty shootout.
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However, despite their progress in the FKF Cup, Muyoti emphasized that the team’s main focus is league promotion, although he acknowledged that the players are eager to achieve more.
“I think our main focus, even before this tournament, is pursuing league promotion. But these boys are too ambitious to settle for just that; they want everything. My mission is to ensure we are promoted, and if that happens, I will consider my mission accomplished,” Muyoti said after advancing in the last of 16 of the Cup.
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He added that if winning the FKF Cup is the goal, that is ultimately up to the players.
“If it’s about winning the Cup, then that’s on the players. If they succeed, I’ll be happy for them and congratulate them. But for me, the priority is top-tier promotion,” he stated.
The former Nairobi City Stars gaffer noted that eliminating Tusker from the Cup has provided the team with a significant boost in confidence, which they hope to carry forward into their league matches.
“This victory has been a huge morale booster for the team, especially given our position in the league. The players’ confidence will rise, but we can’t afford to relax.
We must continue to work hard, as the league matches are tough, and the FKF Cup also presents its own set of challenges. We must give everything,” Muyoti emphasized.
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United will look to extend their lead in the league when they face Fortune Sacco on Wednesday, March 12, and their next fixture will be on Sunday, March 16, against the in-form APS Bomet.
In the FKF Cup, they have been drawn against KCB in the round of 16. They must defeat KCB to advance to the quarterfinals.