Nairobi United midfielder Enock Machaka has opened up on the key lessons the club is taking from its challenging debut campaign in the CAF Confederations Cup group stage, insisting that despite the difficult results, the experience will prove valuable both in the short and long term.
The Naibois, who enjoyed a historic 2025 season, earned their first-ever continental appearance after lifting FKF Cup alongside
securing promotion to the SportPesa League while still in the second tier.
Backed by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, the club’s rapid rise captured national attention, but their maiden CAF assignment has come with harsh realities.
Nairobi United have endured a tough group stage, losing all four matches played so far.
Their campaign began with a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club before a narrow 1-0 loss to AS Maniema Union at Kasarani Stadium.
That was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Azam FC at Nyayo Stadium and most recently a 1-0 loss to the Tanzanian side at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Nairobi United midfielder Enock Machaka outlines key takeaways from CAF Confed Group Stage campaign
Despite the winless run, Machaka believes the experience has exposed areas the team must improve on and will ultimately strengthen them, particularly in domestic competition.
“We are learning a lot of lessons from the CAF Confederations Cup matches, which I think will make things easier for us in the SportPesa League,” Machaka said.
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The former Bandari midfielder pointed out physicality as one of the major challenges Nairobi United have faced against more experienced continental opponents.
“In terms of physicality, we were not ready compared to most of our opponents in the group stage. If you look at it closely, Azam were the only team whose players we could match in terms of size and physical presence, but we still lost both matches against them. That is definitely something we need to work on,” he explained.
Machaka also highlighted game management and tactical approach as areas where the team has been punished.
“Another big lesson for us has been game management and how to approach matches at this level. These are things you don’t fully understand until you experience them,” he added.
With two group matches still to play; a home fixture against Wydad Athletic Club at Nyayo Stadium and an away tie against AS Maniema Union, Machaka remains optimistic that the team can still salvage pride before bowing out.
“I am hopeful. Even though we are already out of the tournament, we still want to give our best and try to get at least a point or even three from the remaining matches,” he said.
The midfielder also noted that squad instability has affected their performances, with several new players still adjusting to the team.
“Azam looked more settled than us. For our side, we had many new additions, which worked a bit against us because we have not been together for long. But I believe with time, we will find our rhythm,” Machaka continued.
Currently sitting 10th on the SportPesa League table with 25 points and three games in hand, Machaka believes the lessons from continental football could be the catalyst for a strong league push as the season progresses.