NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – Ahead of the new FKF Premier League season, two of the country’s top clubs will come head-to-head on Sunday in the Super Cup, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be a grueling campaign.
Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette says the club’s preparations for Sunday’s FKF Super Cup clash against Gor Mahia have provided valuable lessons ahead of what promises to be a demanding 2026/27 season.
Tusker FC face FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday at 3:00 pm, with the Mozzart Bet Cup holders looking to claim the first piece of silverware of the new season.
Mette says the club’s participation in the recent CECAFA tournament in Rwanda has provided the team with an important test against high-level opposition as they prepare for both domestic and continental competition.
“We have done a preparation that is quite interesting so far. Playing the CECAFA tournament is a very good thing because we faced top teams that prepared us for the CAF Confederation Cup. This was a good level of preparation for us,” said Mette.
The coach is overseeing a new-look Tusker squad following significant movement in the playing unit, with some experienced players joining alongside a strong contingent of young prospects.
Mette says the club’s recruitment strategy is designed to balance immediate performance with the long-term development of young talent.
“We have two types of new players. We have the experienced players who have played at international or continental level and are here to perform and provide leadership. Then we have the young prospects, with many under-20 and under-21 players who have potential and are part of the project,” she said.
“We have to win, but we also have to include young players and help them develop. That is an important part of the project.”
The coach acknowledges that integrating a large number of new players, particularly foreign recruits experiencing Kenyan football for the first time, has presented its own challenges.
“Many players left, and many players arrived, so we have to welcome them and integrate them. For some of the foreign players, it is the first time they are playing abroad, so it is a big change. The staff has had to work hard to integrate them socially and into the club, but they have responded well, and the guys are working hard. I am optimistic,” Mette said.
Tusker will, however, head into Sunday’s clash with several injury concerns, potentially opening the door for some of the club’s younger players to feature.
Mette says several players under the age of 20 could be handed opportunities against Gor Mahia.
“We have many injuries for Sunday, so we cannot field the best team possible at the moment. But it is also an opportunity for some players who are part of the rotation to show what they are capable of. Some players in the starting line-up will be under 20 or under 19. It will be a big emotion for them, but also a big opportunity to show their talent,” she said.
The coach expects a competitive encounter against Gor Mahia, with the rivalry adding another layer to a match that comes with a trophy at stake.
“We are ready for a Gor Mahia team who will play to win because it is a historical rivalry. We beat them the last time we played some months ago, so maybe they want to take their revenge. It is also a final; it is a Super Cup, so there is a trophy at the end of the 90 minutes,” said Mette.
While Mette is keen to lift the Super Cup, she says the bigger objective is to establish a clear identity and playing philosophy that can carry the team through the season, particularly in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
“For me, the long term is more important. In September we qualify for CAF, and we want to enter the group stage. 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,” she said.
Assistant captain Tom Teka says the squad is confident and has drawn important lessons from its time in Rwanda.
“The team is very ready. Kila mtu amejiprepare vizuri. We have had good weeks since we came back from Rwanda and we have learned lessons from the tournament. As of now, everyone is ready, and the team is very ready,” said Teka.
Teka believes Sunday’s encounter will also provide a valuable test for players who are yet to experience the intensity of a major fixture against Gor Mahia.
“The challenge will be for those who are not used to playing in front of a big crowd against Gor Mahia. Obviously, the fans will push them, but we also challenge ourselves because this Gor game will help guide our preparation for the CAF games,” he said.
With the first trophy of the season on offer, Teka has urged Tusker supporters to turn up in numbers and back the team.
“Fans should come and support their boys on the pitch. They will leave happy. It is a chance to win the first trophy, and it will also help us throughout the season in the games that are coming. We will push to win,” he said.
Tusker FC will face Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 pm.
