Tusker coach Julien Mette plays down Singida’s giant status as Brewers target CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has urged his players to approach Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Singida Black Stars with belief, insisting that the Tanzanian side should not be viewed as an unbeatable giant.

The Brewers host Singida at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, October 18, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, with a place in the group stage at stake.

Speaking during an open Media session on Thursday afternoon,Mette acknowledged that Singida come into the tie with greater experience, a stronger league and a bigger financial budget, but believes those factors should not intimidate his young Tusker side.

“We are not facing a big giant. We are facing a better team who plays in a better league, who has a bigger budget. But that’s not a giant,” he said.

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For the Frenchman ,the priority at Nyayo is to play for victory rather than focus excessively on defending.

“The plan is to play as usual, play to win first of all, not thinking about not conceding, because if you start to implement that in the mentality of the players, they will be a little scared,” he said.

Tusker reached the second preliminary round after eliminating Sudanese side Al Ahli Wad Madani 3-2 on aggregate, while Singida arrive in Nairobi with an imposing record after dispatching South Sudan’s El Gazira 10-1 on aggregate..

The 2026 FKF Cup champions will draw confidence from their 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars in their opening league fixture, a result Mette believes has helped create a positive atmosphere within the squad.

However, he knows the continental encounter will demand a different level of performance.

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Mette is also targeting more than just qualification. The Frenchman says he wants to build a winning culture at Tusker and leave behind a team capable of creating its own history.

“My expectation is winning titles and having records. I want that also from the players, because if the players have this mentality, the team will create history,” he said.

With the group stage only two matches away, Tusker know the margin for error is small. But Mette’s message ahead of the first leg is clear,respect Singida, but do not fear them.