Africa-Press – Kenya. Newly appointed Tusker FC coach Julien Mette has conceded that the Brewers are no longer in contention for the SportPesa Premier League title, shifting focus instead to securing a top-three finish.
Mette admitted the league crown is out of reach but challenged his squad to climb the standings and target silverware in the domestic cup.
“For Tusker, winning the league is over. We must do the best and come up in the ranking and finish on the podium and do the best and win the league cup,” said the French tactician.
Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on Saturday, Mette praised his players’ performance. Thomas Teka’s goal handed Shabana maximum points in a tightly contested encounter.
“It was a cruel loss because of the way we conceded through an own goal. The opponent may have had only a shot on target. I’m happy with the performance from the players even though the result is disappointing,” he said.
Mette revealed that three new signings he recommended are yet to make their debuts. Goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila and left-back Servel Akouala were named on the bench in Kisii, while forward Selasie Bless Akai missed out entirely due to fitness concerns.
“Akai remained in Nairobi to work on his fitness in the gym. Ndzila and Akouala are also not ready. These are players I have worked with before, and I’m confident they will help the team because of their experience.
They will provide leadership,” he added. The coach expects the trio to be available for the weekend clash against Kariobangi Sharks, but ruled them out of Wednesday’s fixture against Murang’a SEAL.
On the other hand, Shabana coach Peter Okidi lauded his side’s mid-season recruits, including Senegalese Pappe Doudou Diallo and Congolese Mambote Batshi Asis, who debuted in a 2-0 win over Posta Rangers last weekend.
Asis scored on his debut and started against Tusker. “The mid-season signings have impressed so far. Out of the five players we signed, Diallo, Asis, and John Owira have featured for us. I hope Jasper Omwando and Mohammed Abdalla will make their debuts in our upcoming games,” said Okidi.
He admitted Tusker were tactically superior but praised his team’s discipline in containing them. Okidi also welcomed Shabana’s Sh10 million sponsorship deal with Oasis Healthcare Group, terming it a timely boost amid injury concerns.
“It’s a big relief for us because we have had a lot of injuries. I want to thank those who were involved in the deal,” he said. Shabana now turn their attention to Wednesday’s clash against Mathare United, with Okidi emphasising the need to strengthen his players’ mental resilience.
