Kenya Police FC players in training at the Police Sacco Stadium/HANDOUT
Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti has described the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup final against Tusker FC as an opportunity for redemption, insisting his side is determined to make up for falling short of their league ambitions this season.
Speaking during an open training session in Nairobi ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Kwale, Muyoti said the final carries significant importance for a Police side eager to end the campaign with silverware after finishing third in the SportPesa Premier League.
“This final is not just another match for us,” said Muyoti. “It is about correcting what we did not achieve in the league. It is about character, discipline, and finishing what we started in this cup.”
Police have built their route to the final on defensive solidity and tactical discipline, emerging as one of the tournament’s most resilient sides. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Embakasi United before edging past BB Bread FC by a similar scoreline in the Round of 16.
Their quarter-final clash against Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium proved another stern examination, with Police relying on disciplined game management to secure a narrow win and progress to the last four.
The semi-final against Bandari FC demanded even greater composure. After a goalless draw in regulation time at Nyayo National Stadium, Police held their nerve to win 5-3 in a penalty shootout and book their place in the final.
Muyoti believes that the encounter highlighted the mental strength within his squad. “Games like Bandari are not just about tactics,” he said.
“They are about mentality. When everything is tight and every mistake can eliminate you, you need players who stay calm. That is what we saw.”
Police head into the final having not conceded a goal in open play throughout the competition, with their compact defensive structure becoming the foundation of their cup run.
However, Muyoti is aware of the challenge posed by Tusker FC, whom he described as one of the league’s most tactically organised teams. “They are very structured, very intelligent in how they move the ball,” he said. “You cannot switch off against them, not even for a second.”
Police are expected to maintain their pragmatic approach in the final, focusing on defensive organisation, quick transitions and capitalising on set-piece opportunities.
Despite reports of financial incentives and the prospect of CAF Confederation Cup qualification awaiting the winners, Muyoti insists his players must remain focused on the immediate task at hand.
“At this stage, motivation cannot come from outside,” he said. “It must come from within the team. The reward is the trophy, not what comes after it.”
With preparations for the trip to Kwale entering the final stages, Kenya Police FC will be hoping their defensive resilience and mental strength can guide them to Mozzart Bet Cup glory and provide a fitting end to a season that has fallen short of expectations in the league.
