Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has challenged his players to combine the need for immediate results with the long-term objective of building a team capable of competing consistently on the continental stage.
The Brewers begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign this weekend when they face Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani in the first preliminary round. Mette will be using the club’s return to Africa as an opportunity to develop a new-look squad around a defined footballing identity.
“We have a new cycle for the club. We have brought in experienced players who can provide leadership, alongside young players who have potential and are part of the project. We have to win, but we also have to develop these young players,” said Mette.The coach has placed particular emphasis on establishing a recognisable style of play, insisting that Tusker’s ambitions should extend beyond simply progressing through the current CAF campaign.“For me, the long term is more important. We have to have a proper identity, a type of play and a style of play. We must be strong and respect our principles. This is how we win in the long term,” she added.
Mette’s side have already had a taste of regional competition this season, featuring in the CECAFA tournament in Rwanda, where the squad gained experience against opposition from across the region.That experience, coupled with a 3-1 victory over Gor Mahia in the FKF Super Cup, has provided Tusker with competitive preparation ahead of their return to continental football.The Brewers will now turn their attention to Al Ahli Madani, with the first leg scheduled for Saturday, 5 September at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda.
The return leg will be played in Nairobi on 12 September.Big names missing from McCarthy’s latest Harambee Stars squadThe assignment marks Tusker’s first CAF appearance in four years, with their previous continental campaign coming in the 2021/22 season.
It also represents a return to a stage on which the club has enjoyed considerable success in the past. In 1994, when the team was known as Kenya Breweries FC, Tusker reached the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup.
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The Brewers have strengthened their squad during the off-season, bringing in 15 players as they prepare to compete on both domestic and continental fronts, with the early signs positive after their Super Cup triumph over Gor Mahia.
Speaking during the team’s send-off, KBL Marketing and Innovation Director Mark Mugisha backed the Brewers to make the most of their return to African competition.“We are proud to see Tusker FC return to the continental stage. This is an opportunity for the team to build on the club’s proud history in African football and create a new chapter. We believe in this team and want them to compete with confidence and represent Tusker and Kenya with pride,” said Mugisha.
The KBL official also urged the players to take the confidence gained from their domestic success into the CAF campaign.“The Super Cup was a great start to the season, but this is another level of challenge. Our message to the team is simple; go out there, compete, play your football and make Kenya proud. We will be behind you throughout the journey,” he added.