Tusker’s Mette rallies charges to eye FKF Cup glory

Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has conceded that the Kenyan Premier League title is no longer within reach, calling on his side to shift full focus to the FKF Cup as they target success in a competition that still offers silverware.

The 13-time league champions have been drawn against Kariobangi Sharks in the round of 16 but in the league they are seventh with 37 points, 19 behind log leaders Gor Mahia.

 “We have two competitions but as I said the first day when I arrived here when we lost against Shabana the league was over for Tusker.

It’s unfortunate that the league is beyond our reach realistically. Just admit it and try to shift focus.

He added, “We are still on the road to win the Cup and let’s do that especially now that Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are eliminated from the tournament.

They are the two best teams in Kenya and now that they are not in this Cup we have the chance and we have to take it 100 percent.”

Mette believes the domestic cup now presents Tusker with a genuine opportunity to secure silverware and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

He noted that the absence of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has opened up the competition, giving his side a clear path if they maintain focus and consistency in the knockout stages.

Despite recent setbacks, including a 1-0 loss to AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium, Mette expressed pride in the progress his team has made in recent weeks.

He acknowledged that Tusker had previously struggled to compete with top opposition but pointed to improved performances and mentality.

“I am proud of my players because we have come from far and some weeks back we were in a big hole. We could not compete with this type of team—AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia—and of course, we were very disappointed with the results.

Though when you look at the opportunities created you will say Leopards deserves the win,” he added.