New Tusker coach Mette concedes league title is out of reach
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 24.02.26. | 08:17
The French tactician conceded that the league crown has slipped away but urged his squad to climb the standings and push for silverware
Newly appointed Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has admitted the Brewers are no longer in the race for the FKF Premier League title and will instead focus on finishing in the top three and challenging for domestic cup honours.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
The French tactician conceded that the league crown has slipped away but urged his squad to climb the standings and push for silverware.
“For Tusker, winning the league is over. We must do the best and come up in the ranking, finish on the podium and do the best to win the league cup,” said Mette.
Despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on Saturday, Mette expressed satisfaction with his players’ display.
Thomas Teka’s solitary strike handed Shabana maximum points in a tightly contested clash.
“It was a cruel loss because of the way we conceded through an own goal. The opponent may have had only one shot on target. I’m happy with the performance from the players even though the result is disappointing,” he said.
Mette revealed that three new signings he recommended are yet to make their debuts.
Goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila and left-back Servel Akouala were named on the bench in Kisii, while forward Selasie Bless Akai missed out entirely due to fitness concerns.
“Akai remained in Nairobi to work on his fitness in the gym. Ndzila and Akouala are also not ready. These are players I have worked with before, and I’m confident they will help the team because of their experience. They will provide leadership,” he added.
The coach expects the trio to be available for the weekend clash against Kariobangi Sharks FC but ruled them out of Wednesday’s fixture against Murang'a SEAL FC.
On the other hand, Shabana coach Peter Okidi lauded his mid-season recruits, including Senegalese Pappe Doudou Diallo and Congolese Mambote Batshi Asis, who both featured prominently in recent outings.
Asis scored on his debut in a 2-0 win over Posta Rangers FC and retained his place against Tusker.
“The mid-season signings have impressed so far. Out of the five players we signed, Diallo, Asis and John Owira have featured for us. I hope Jasper Omwando and Mohammed Abdalla will make their debuts in our upcoming games,” said Okidi.
He admitted Tusker were tactically superior but praised his side’s discipline in containing them.
Okidi also welcomed Shabana’s Sh10 million sponsorship deal with Oasis Healthcare Group, terming it a timely boost amid injury concerns.
“It’s a big relief for us because we have had a lot of injuries. I want to thank those who were involved in the deal,” he said.
Shabana now shift focus to Wednesday’s clash against Mathare United FC, with Okidi emphasising the need to strengthen his players’ mental resilience in the decisive stage of the campaign.