Trophyless threat fuels Tusker as Mette turns heat on AFC Leopards ahead of Nyayo clash
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 22.03.26. | 07:31
The French tactician, who has overseen a steady turnaround at the brewers, said Ingwe are under intense pressure as they stare at the possibility of ending the season without silverware
Tusker head coach Julien Mette believes AFC Leopards are carrying the weight of expectation ahead of their FKF Premier League clash on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.
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The French tactician, who has overseen a steady turnaround at the brewers, said Ingwe are under intense pressure as they stare at the possibility of ending the season without silverware.
Mette noted that the situation could work in Tusker’s favor, with his side playing with less pressure and still in contention in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
“AFC Leopards have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. They have many fans who expect titles, and they are very close to finishing the season without one, so that brings a different kind of pressure compared to us,” Mette told the club’s media team.
He expects a tightly contested encounter, especially after the Leopards thrashed the beer makers 4-0 in the first leg earlier this year.
“We have prepared based on how they play. This will be more of a mental and tactical game, and we will see how it unfolds,” he added.
Despite that heavy defeat, Tusker head into the match in strong form, having won their last four matches on the bounce.
Victory on Sunday would extend that run to five consecutive wins.
The French credited the upturn in results to improved morale within the squad, pointing to a more united dressing room and better atmosphere at training.
“The mood has really changed. You can see it in the dressing room and even before training sessions. The players are like a family now,” he said.
“When results are not coming, everything becomes tense, just like in a family when there are problems. But wins bring confidence, better communication, and more smiles.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of recovery and structured training in helping the team find rhythm during his early days in charge.
“The players have had time to recover and adapt to our way of working. That has helped them improve physically and tactically,” he explained.
He believes maintaining the current momentum will be key, not just for results but also for sustaining harmony within the squad.
“It is about giving and receiving. The more effort the players put in, the better the results, and that creates a positive environment. We want to keep this momentum going and push for five wins in a row,” he said.
Tusker currently sits seventh on the 18-team FKF Premier League table with 37 points and has also booked a place in the round of 16 of the Mozzart Bet Cup.
