Kapaito reveals how he dealt with challenging season to guide Tusker to glory
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 18.06.26. | 20:42
For Kapaito, the triumph marked a dream return to the club he rejoined at the beginning of the season following a brief spell with Tanzanian side Namungo FC
Former FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Eric Kapaito has opened up on the challenges and rewards of his return to Tusker FC after helping the Brewers end a 10-year wait for the Mozzart Bet Cup title.
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Julien Mette's charges lifted the domestic cup for the first time since 2016 after edging Kenya Police FC 2-1 in the final played at Kwale Stadium on Sunday, 14 June, securing a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.
For Kapaito, the triumph marked a dream return to the club he rejoined at the beginning of the season following a brief spell with Tanzanian side Namungo FC.
The striker left Tusker at the end of the 2023/24 campaign after an impressive season in which he scored 12 goals and played a key role in helping the club challenge for the FKF Premier League title.
His performances came several years after a stellar 2021 campaign that saw him crowned the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Upon his return, the expectations were naturally high for a player who has built a reputation as one of the country's most prolific forwards.
Kapaito won the FKF Premier League Golden Boot in both 2018 and 2021 and has spent most of his career operating as an out-and-out centre forward.
However, this season presented a different challenge.
Since the arrival of French tactician Julien Mette in mid-February, Kapaito has often been deployed either behind the main striker or in wider attacking positions, a shift that required him to adapt his game and contribute in different ways.
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Despite scoring seven goals across the campaign, it has not been the free-scoring season many expected from the former Golden Boot winner.
The positional changes, coupled with the pressure that comes with his high reputation, have meant that Kapaito has had to find other ways to influence matches beyond simply finding the back of the net.
The experienced forward believes maintaining confidence has been key to navigating the challenges.
"The best way to handle pressure is to believe in what you are doing. Football has highs and lows. When things are going well, you enjoy and celebrate those moments, and when challenges come, you draw motivation from your past successes," Kapaito said.
"Believing in your talent and trusting the quality of your teammates is what keeps you going,” he continued.
While his personal numbers may not have matched some of his previous campaigns, the season ultimately ended with silverware and a return to continental football for Tusker.
Kapaito admitted the Mozzart Bet Cup became the club's primary target after falling short of their ambitions in the league.
"Winning this trophy means a lot to me because we did not have the season we wanted in the FKF Premier League, and the Mozzart Bet Cup became our biggest opportunity.
Tusker had gone 10 years without lifting this trophy, so helping the club end that wait and secure a place in continental football is a special feeling. Right now, we just want to enjoy the moment, celebrate, and thank God for this victory,” he said.
The triumph was also a deeply personal one for the striker, who dedicated the achievement to his family and supporters back home.
"I dedicate this victory to my family: my father, mother, children, and the entire family for their unwavering support throughout my journey.
I also want to thank the Kajiado fraternity for always standing by me. Their encouragement has played a huge role in this achievement,” he averred.