French Tusker coach on why Kenyan football is better compared to Congo, Djibouti
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 03.03.26. | 20:42
Prior to joining Tusker, the Frenchman had previously coached Rwandan giants Rayon Sports, Congolese clubs Tongo and AS Otoho over two spells, as well as the Djibouti national team from 2019 to 2021
Boasting vast African experience that has seen him work in Rwanda, Congo Brazzaville, and Djibouti, newly appointed Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has explained why Kenyan football ranks among the best in the Sub-Saharan region.
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Mette joined the Brewers a fortnight ago following the departure of Charles Okere, who was shown the door after a string of poor results.
Prior to joining Tusker, the Frenchman had previously coached Rwandan giants Rayon Sports, Congolese clubs Tongo and AS Otoho d'Oyo over two spells, as well as the Djibouti national team from 2019 to 2021.
Speaking to the press after Tusker FC’s 2-1 league victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Monday, 2 March, Mette took time to compare Kenyan football to Congo and Djibouti.
“I am happy with the infrastructure in Kenya and more especially the quality of the surface. In the past, I was in Djibouti and Congo, where we played on artificial turf.
I am happy to see the good pitches in Kenya with natural grass. This is now football. Playing on artificial turf is not football,” said Mette.
In their clash against Sharks, second-half substitute Ian Simiyu grabbed the winner in the 78th minute after Sharks’ Humphrey Aroko had cancelled out Francis Oduor’s strike in the first half, with Mette explaining the importance of a strong bench.
“It is really important to have substitutes who can change the game and score goals. If I had only started players with that ability, I would have been worried,” he stated.
Having spent two weeks with his new team and taken charge of three games, the 44-year-old shared his assessment of his squad.
“I am happy and impressed with the progress of the team. We were at about 60% into the philosophy after the first match, but I think the players are now at 90%.”
Tusker are now seventh on the log with 34 points, 15 shy of log leaders Gor Mahia, with Mette already admitting to his team’s inability to clinch what would be their 13th title.
Next in the league for Tusker is a clash against Mozzart Bet-sponsored Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday, 15 March, but before then, a clash against Bidco United in round 32 of the Mozzart Bet Cup awaits.