Tusker players celebrate Victor Mbaoma’s goal against Ulinzi at Lang’ata Complex in Nairobi on October 11.
Julien Mette wants Tusker to attack confidently at Nyayo as they seek a first-leg advantage over Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.
Tusker face Singida Black Stars today with coach Julien Mette urging his players to attack without fear. The CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg kicks off at 3pm at Nyayo National Stadium.
The FKF Cup champions want a strong home result before travelling to Tanzania for next weekend’s return fixture. However, Singida arrive with an imposing scoring record after comfortably winning their opening continental tie.
Mette acknowledges the Tanzanian club’s greater resources but does not want that gap to dictate Tusker’s approach. Instead, he wants his players to focus on winning rather than worrying about conceding.
Tusker face Singida with attacking intent
The French coach considers Singida a stronger team operating in a better league and with a larger budget. Nevertheless, he believes his players should avoid treating their opponents as an overwhelming force.
His concern centres on the effect of a defensive mindset before such an important home fixture. Mette believes an excessive focus on keeping opponents out could leave his players hesitant.
He therefore wants the Brewers to maintain their usual approach and pursue victory with confidence. A positive result in Nairobi would strengthen their position ahead of the return leg in Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Singida’s recent performances underline the challenge awaiting the Kenyan side. They beat South Sudan’s Al-Ghazala SC 10-1 on aggregate in the first preliminary round.
The Tanzanian team opened that tie with a 7-1 win, then added a 3-0 victory in the return match. Tusker must therefore balance Mette’s attacking ambition with discipline against opponents who have already scored freely.
Erambo’s goal secured Tusker’s progress
Tusker took a narrower route into this round, overcoming Sudan’s Al Ahli Wad Madani 3-2 on aggregate last month. They first drew 2-2 away before claiming a 1-0 victory at home.
Chrispine Erambo scored the decisive goal that kept the Brewers’ continental campaign alive. Now, Mette needs another effective home performance as his team pursues a place in the group stage.
The coach is also looking to experienced players to guide a relatively young squad through the contest. Abud Omar, John Otieno, Victor Mbaoma and Endinga form part of that leadership group.
In addition, Mette has encouraged his players to take inspiration from Nairobi United’s continental victory over Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel. He sees that result as evidence that Kenyan clubs can compete against more established opponents.
Continental progress offers wider rewards
Beyond the financial benefits, reaching the group stage would expose Tusker’s younger players to stronger opposition. Mette believes that experience would also benefit Kenyan football ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya will co-host that tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania. For Tusker, the immediate task remains building an advantage at home before facing Singida again away.
The Brewers also carry a continental legacy, having reached the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1994. More than three decades later, they are seeking another significant run in African competition.
Tusker remain Kenya’s sole continental representatives after Gor Mahia’s exit from the CAF Champions League. Egyptian side Pyramids FC eliminated the Kenyan league champions with a 7-1 aggregate victory.
