Six instances that made 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup historic
Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 15.06.26. | 21:22
The tournament, which is powered by gaming giants Mozzart Bet, was equally historic for many reasons, six of which are highlighted in this article after Mozzart Sport comprehensively covered every stage and action
The curtains came falling on the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup campaign on Sunday, 14 June, after an intense five months of relentless, straight knockout football action.
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In the end, Kenyan giants Tusker FC bagged the prestigious trophy following a 2-1 triumph over 2024 champions Kenya Police FC in what was a high-octane encounter at the Kwale Stadium.
The tournament, which is powered by gaming giants Mozzart Bet, was equally historic for many reasons, six of which are highlighted in this article after Mozzart Sport comprehensively covered every stage and action.
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Increased prize money
The 2026 edition of the Mozzart Bet Cup benefited from a boosted three-year sponsorship worth Ksh90 million, an increase of Ksh10 million every year from Mozzart Bet.
Of the amount, winners Tusker FC walked away with Ksh3 million, an increase of Ksh1 million from the Ksh2 million that was paid in the 2025 edition.
Police, as the runners-up, walked home with Ksh2 million, while Bandari bagged Ksh1.5 million for their third-place finish, with KCB pocketing Ksh1 million for finishing fourth.
Additionally, there was a newly introduced cash prize for individual winners, including Ksh200,000 for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ksh150,000 for the Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Best Midfielder and Best Defender, with the Best Young Player banking Ksh100,000.
The new incentives raised the stakes in the tournament, making it more competitive and exciting.
Memorable devolved final
Unlike what had been the norm, the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup final was not held in Nairobi but in Kwale Stadium, over 500km from the capital, in what was one of the most unique moments of the Cup.
The final day of the tournament was historic as the residents of Kwale got an opportunity to watch the teams and stars that they had only been watching on TV.
As a destination, Kwale itself was also a motivation for teams, fans, and all stakeholders to tour the coastal town, even as they enjoyed the game of football.
As promised by FKF as well as sponsors Mozzart Bet, the final of the Cup will continue to be held across different counties.
Community Impact beyond the game
The Mozzart Bet Cup continues to create an impact across the country, far beyond the action inside 90 minutes, and not only to players, but also to the larger Kenyan community.
Through the Ksh100,000 humanitarian cheque awarded to the Man of the Match winner, beginning from the quarter finals, players have been able to donate to their former clubs, children's homes, as well as various vulnerable groups in the community.
The humanitarian cheque continues to be appreciated by football stakeholders across the country as one of the aspects that make the Cup not only prestigious but also impactful.
Minnows downed giants
As is the nature of cup tournaments, some of the teams plying their trade in lower divisions disrupted established top-tier teams, the most famous of them all being BB Bread.
The Nairobi Regional outfit were a sensation in this edition and announced themselves with a banger after eliminating Kenyan giants AFC Leopards in the Round of 64.
The team would then oust 22-time league champions Gor Mahia in the Round of 32 before they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to finalists Police FC in the Round of 16.
In a winner's dinner held at a Diani hotel after the final, Tusker FC chairman Charles Gacheru named the Kayole-based club as his team of the season.
“The Mozzart Bet Cup was as exciting as it was challenging. I will never forget about BB Bread. They were my team of the tournament. They went down with giants,” said Gacheru.
Division One side Mfalme FC also produced a shock in the tournament, including a 5-1 win over FKF Premier League side Murang’a Seal.
Emergence of new stars
The 2026 edition saw the emergence of new stars in Kenyan football, the most consequential being Tusker FC winger Ian Simiyu.
The former Nzoia Sugar FC man proved his mettle for the Brewers, most importantly from the quarter final,s when his last-minute incredible dribble allowed Ibrahim Joshua to score the winner.
Simiyu scored a penalty in their semi-final shootouts success before stealing the limelight in the final by scoring a brace after tormenting Harambee Stars right back Daniel Sakari.
Mfalme FC forward John Majabe, who was the star of his team, was also named as the Young Player of the Tournament and is already attracting interest from top-tier sides.
Unpredictable Cup drama
In the end, the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup culminated in the archetypal drama of Cup competitions as Tusker, who had a poor season in the league, deservedly lifted the title.
The 12-time league champions finished a disappointing ninth on the log before switching their attention to the Cup, which eventually turned their season around and booked a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC).