Tusker FC defender John Otieno has set his sights on helping the Brewers break into the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, drawing on the lessons of his previous continental experience with Nairobi United.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 25-year-old centre-back joined the Brewers from Nairobi United during the recent transfer window and is now preparing for his fourth appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, having previously represented Kariobangi Sharks, Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi United on the continental stage.Otieno's ambitions come at a significant moment for Tusker, who are returning to African football after a four-year absence.Dennis Oliech on how Gor Mahia can upset Pyramids in CAF Champions League clashThe Brewers qualified for the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup after ending a decade-long wait for domestic cup success by defeating Kenya Police 2-1 in the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup final in Kwale.For Otieno, however, the immediate target is not simply participation. He wants Tusker to go beyond the group stage, a hurdle he reached with Nairobi United last season but exited without collecting a point.“I am ambitious. I first played continental football with Sharks, then had the opportunity at Homeboyz and Nairobi United, where we reached the group stage. This time, I want to go much further.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936802##“The last time I graced the tournament, we did not manage to pick up a point, so this time I want us to reach that level and, more importantly, win games. I believe winning matches will give us the confidence and momentum to go further in the competition,” he stated.Otieno was part of the Nairobi United side that made history by reaching the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage on their maiden continental campaign.Naibois negotiated the preliminary rounds before eliminating Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel on penalties to reach the group phase.STARS ABROAD: Shumah makes PSL debut as Anyembe endures defeat in DenmarkThey were subsequently drawn in a demanding Group B alongside Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, DR Congo's AS Maniema Union and Tanzania's Azam FC. Naibois ultimately finished bottom after six matches without a point.That experience has given Otieno a valuable understanding of the demands of continental football, and he hopes to transfer those lessons to a Tusker side embarking on a fresh African adventure.The 12-time league champions have been preparing for the campaign under French tactician Julien Mette, with the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali forming part of their preparations.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936807##Tusker used the regional tournament to build match fitness, improve cohesion and give their revamped squad competitive exposure ahead of the new season and continental assignment.Tusker's return also carries historical significance. The club last featured in CAF competition in the 2021/22 season, while their previous appearance in the Confederation Cup came in 1994, when they competed as Kenya Breweries FC and reached the final of the African Cup Winners' Cup.Beyond his defensive responsibilities, Otieno believes he can contribute through leadership as Tusker seek to navigate the potentially tricky preliminary rounds.Government issues update on construction of new stadium in Nandi [PHOTOS]The defender expects discipline, defensive organisation and a positive result away from home to be crucial in the first leg against Sudanese opponents Al-Ahli Madani.“I am bringing leadership to the team because I believe it is something that is naturally in me. I want to use that quality to push the team forward and help us achieve our objectives.Since we are playing away, the target is to win and, most importantly, avoid conceding. We have to be disciplined and make sure we get a positive result.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9936891##The fixture will test Tusker's ability to translate their domestic form onto the continental stage.The Ruaraka-based side will be looking to establish an advantage before completing the tie at home.CAF's draw has paired Al-Ahli Madani and Tusker in the first preliminary round, with the winner advancing to face the winner of Al-Ghazala SC Wau and Singida Black Stars in the second preliminary round.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Have Kenya Police signed the final piece of a star-studded puzzle?Despite being a new arrival, Otieno says adapting to his fresh surroundings has been relatively straightforward, with familiar faces within the Tusker squad helping him settle.He singled out Tom Teka, Christopher Erambo and Fabian Adikiny as some of the players who have made his transition easier.“It has been two months now, and the environment has been good. Everyone has been welcoming, and I feel at home already.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936781##My style of play and the friends I have made have also made it easier for me to settle into the club. The likes of Teka, Adikiny and Erambo have been my friends, and they have helped me adapt.”His quick integration has also seen him establish himself in Tusker's defensive setup, with the centre-back now expected to provide experience and authority at the heart of the Brewers' backline.That experience could prove particularly valuable as Tusker return to a level of competition where concentration, discipline and defensive resilience can determine the outcome of two-legged ties.Blow as Harambee Stars defender is ruled out for rest of 2026-2027 season in EnglandTusker will begin their continental campaign against Al-Ahli Madani at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, before hosting the Sudanese outfit in the return leg in Nairobi on Saturday, 12 September.