- Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette is optimistic his team can lift the FKF Cup this season and secure a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
- He spoke ahead of their Round of 32 clash against fellow Bidco United on Friday, March 6, at Police Sacco Stadium.
- Now in charge of just his fourth game since succeeding Charles Okere, Mette is confident his squad is fully prepared for Friday’s showdown.
Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette is optimistic his team can lift the Football Kenya Federation (FKF Cup) this season and secure a spot in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup, a stage where he believes the Brewers truly belong.
The French tactician was speaking to the club’s media ahead of their Round of 32 clash against another SportPesa League outfit, Bidco United, on Friday March 6, at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Overseeing just his fourth game since taking over from Charles Okere, Mette is confident his squad is fully prepared for Friday’s showdown.
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He acknowledged the significance of the cup competition and how his players must rise to the occasion.
“The players are very good and the mindset is positive. I would say it requires a minor switch because this is a different competition. The way you approach the Cup is not the same as the league. One small mistake and you are out, so I was quite tough on them in training to adjust their mentality, and they responded well.”
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Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette optimistic his team can lift the FKF Cup
Mette took over midway through the league campaign and has already ruled out a title charge in the SportPesa League, backing Gor Mahia to clinch it. Still, he believes a deep FKF Cup run would be a massive achievement for Tusker.
“The Cup is very important because it’s our last realistic chance to win a title this season, and it would be great for Tusker given the club’s history. You never know with cup competitions everyone loves them because underdogs can surprise teams. But for us, we are not the underdogs, and I have reminded my players about that,” he said.
The former Djibouti national team coach stressed that the Ruaraka-based side deserves to compete on the continental stage, especially now with a genuine opportunity to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
“We have five matches to play if we want to win this trophy, and that is my clear ambition. Winning it would mean playing in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. With the project we are building alongside the board, I believe Tusker should be competing at that level. It’s pressure, yes but, it’s the kind of pressure that motivates us.”
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But before dreaming of the latter stages, they must first overcome Bidco United in Friday’s tie to book a place in the Round of 16.
Tusker reached this stage after a thrilling 3-2 win over Division One side Mwea United at Wang’uru Stadium. Bidco, meanwhile, secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Naivasha Police in Nakuru County.
Both teams head into the fixture riding high on confidence following recent wins. Bidco ended a 17-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars, while Tusker edged out Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 at the Police Sacco Stadium.
