Coach Mette seeks continental glory as Tusker face Sudan’s Al Ahli

Tusker coach Julien Mette has challenged his players to make a statement on their return to continental football when they face Sudan’s Al Ahli Madani in the CAF Confederation Cup first qualifying round, first leg in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday.

Mette said his team's ambition stretches beyond simply surviving the opening stages to fighting it out in the group phase.

“We have brought in experienced players who can provide leadership, alongside young players who have potential and are part of the project. We have to win, but we also have to develop these young players,” Mette said during the team’s flag-off ceremony in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The French coach said the immediate objective is to progress, but stressed that Tusker are also laying the foundation for sustained success in African competition.

“For me, the long term is more important. We have to have a proper identity, a type of play and a style of play. We must be strong and respect our principles. This is how we win in the long term,” he said.

Tusker captain Aboud Omar said they are ready for the challenge after gaining valuable experience at the Cecafa Kagame Cup.

“We are well prepared. Keeping a clean sheet will give us a big advantage. We know it will be a tough game, but we are going for a win to make the return leg easier for our fans at home,” Omar said.

Rich history in African football

Omar also called on football authorities to resolve the delay surrounding the start of the Kenyan Premier League, warning that prolonged inactivity could affect players’ fitness and the country’s competitiveness.

The brewers showed their form by beating 22-time record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 3-1 in the season-opening FKF Super Cup at Nyayo Stadium on August 22.

The clash with Al Ahli Madani marks Tusker’s first appearance in CAF competition in four years.

The brewers have a rich history in African football. In 1994, when the club was known as Kenya Breweries, they reached the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup.

Mette, hired in February, has been on a rebuilding process.

The Frenchman has brought in several experienced and young players to form a formidable squad.

His signings include Congolese goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga, defender John Otieno, winger Alvin Mang’eni, Gambian striker Abdoulie Joof, defender Abud Omar, Ivorian winger Aboubacar Doumbia, Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma and Djiboutian defender Hassan Warsama.

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