Tusker set group-stage target in CAF Confederation Cup

Mette also highlighted the importance of his experienced players, singling out captain Abud Omar for his leadership as the team seeks to build on lessons from the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

From left: Tusker head coach Juliet Mette, KBL Marketing and Innovation Director Mark Mugisha and Tusker Captain Aboud Omar pose with the Super Cup trophy

Tusker FC have set their sights on reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, with coach Julien Mette confident his youthful squad can rise to the continental challenge.

Speaking at the EABL grounds on Wednesday before the team departed for Kigali, Rwanda, Mette said progressing to the group stage would provide both financial and sporting benefits for the club.

Tusker are in Kigali ahead of Sudan's Al Ahli Madani clash this weekend, a preliminary match of the competition.

“The target is the group stage for two main reasons. First, the finances, because this will help us with this project. Second, for sporting reasons. We will get six very good games against some of the top teams in Africa,” said Mette.

The Frenchman believes the continental campaign will also accelerate the development of Tusker's young players, whose average age is considerably lower than last season.

“This is wonderful for the young players because they will gain more experience. The average age of the team is much lower than it was last season. This is in line with the project we have at Tusker FC, which is to develop young players,” he said.

Mette also highlighted the importance of his experienced players, singling out captain Abud Omar for his leadership as the team seeks to build on lessons from the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Abud said the squad was hungry for success and stressed the importance of collective responsibility.

“We step on the pitch as one. Everyone has to take responsibility when called upon, both the experienced and young players. We are heading in the right direction,” said Abud.

The delayed start to the FKF Premier League has not affected Tusker's preparations, according to Mette, who said the team has maintained its fitness through friendly matches.

“The delay to the start of the league does not affect us for now. We have the tournament to play and have also played a few friendlies. We are fit and ready, but we hope the league does not face any further delays,” he said.

Kenya Breweries Marketing and Innovations Director Mark Mugisha echoed Mette's call for a swift resolution to the uncertainty surrounding the league.

“The Federation is doing a couple of things to get the league back underway. When everything is ready, our boys will also be ready to go,” said Mugisha.

The Brewers will be hoping to make a strong start to their continental campaign as they pursue a place in the group stage.