Action between Tusker and Al Hilal at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda/Tusker FCTusker FC coach Julien Mette says he was encouraged by his side's display against Al Hilal in the ongoing CECAFA Kagame Cup despite their 2-0 defeat at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
"I'm happy with the team's performance. We are in the process of building the team. I'm optimistic because it was a positive performance despite the goals we conceded," said the French tactician.
Mette noted that the brewers had trained together for only two weeks before the tournament and said the performance against an experienced Al Hilal side, who reached the CAF Champions League quarter-finals last season, offered plenty of positives.
He praised the club's new signings but urged some of the returning players to take greater responsibility and provide leadership.
"I'm surprised by the level of performance from the new players. They have been here for only a short time and have played well. I'm disappointed by some of the players who have been with us over the last six months," he said.
The coach singled out captain Aboud Omar, Collins Ochieng and Victor Mbaoma for their impressive displays.
"You need a six-week pre-season before the first game. We have 12 new players, and the last one arrived just two days ago. We are building a good team," Mette added.
Captain Omar, who joined from Kenya Police FC, said the team would improve as the new-look squad settles.
"It was a great feeling despite the result. It's a new team because we have more than 13 new players. Most of them are young and it's their first time playing at this level. In the next few months, the team will gel," said Omar.
Tusker will be looking to bounce back when they face Rwandan giants Rayon Sports on Wednesday.
The Brewers have strengthened their squad with more than 13 new signings, including Djibouti international midfielder Hassan Warsama, Ivorian Abou Doumbi and Gambian forward Abdoulie Joof.
The club also recruited Omar, Telena Ochieng, December Kisakah, Stephen Omondi, James Otieno, Jephither Bundi, Collins Ochieng and Victor Mbaoma, while more than 15 players left during the transfer window.
