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Mette’s project underway: New Tusker coach claims first league win
Tusker FC coach Julien Mette follows proceedings from the touchline during his side's match against Shabana FC in the Kenyan Premier League at Gusii Stadium on February 21, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Tusker's match winner at Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County came in the 26th minute courtesy of Tanzanian import Ibrahim Joshua.
- At Nyayo national Stadium, Shabana had to wait until the fourth minute of added time to clinch the match winner, thanks to George Onyango.
New Tusker French coach Julien Mette is confident that his project of rebuilding the team will succeed, after secured his first win with a 1-0 victory over Murang'a Seal in Wednesday's SportPesa Premier League clash.
Meanwhile, Shabana beat former champions Mathare United 1-0 with a last-minute goal, while Nairobi United secured a 1-1 draw against Bandari in Mombasa.
Tusker's match winner at Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County came in the 26th minute courtesy of Tanzanian import Ibrahim Joshua who headed home Stephen Etyang’s cross.
Bryan Michira (left) of Shabana FC tussles for the ball with Sammy Imbuye of Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium played on February 25, 2026
“I’m very happy with my first win. I’m confident that the work I’ve started doing with the team will help us succeed in this project. We will use this win as a springboard for intensive rebuilding work to achieve a positive outcome,” said Mette.
“We know we’ve lost the league since the gap between us and Gor Mahia is too wide. Our main focus is to tap into the potential of every player. We want to take one game at a time and win matches,” he added.
Mette took over at Tusker last weekend, following Charles Okere's exit. His first match in charge of the brewers was not memorable with Tusker losing 1–0 to Shabana.
In Murang’a, Seal coach Osborne Monday said he was impressed, despite the loss to Tusker.
“I can’t blame my players because we played better in the second half. Despite this loss, we are leaving with our heads held high as we plan for our next match,” Monday said.
Before losing to Tusker, Seal had won six consecutive matches.
Shabana FC coach Peter Okidi celebrates with James Mazembe his team's goal against Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium played on February 25, 2026
Following the victory, the brewers climbed to eighth on the table with 31 points from 22 matches while Seal are fifth with 33 points from the same number of matches.
At Nyayo Stadium, Shabana had to wait until the fourth minute of added time to clinch the match winner, thanks to George Onyango.
Shabana are third on the table with 40 points from 22 matches. Second-placed AFC Leopards have an equal number of points with two games in hand. Leopards will face KCB on Thursday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In Mombasa, former league Golden Boot winner Benson Omala rescued Nairobi United from defeat with his first goal for the club after Amza Ngamchia gave Bandari the lead.
Omala joined Nairobi United last month to partner his younger brother Duncan in the attack.
Bandari are sixth with 22 points, while Naibois are ninth with 29 points from 19 matches.
