Tusker striker Eric Kapaito takes on Posta Rangers defenders during a friendly match/HANDOUT Tusker coach Julien Mette is confident his revamped squad is ready for the demands of continental football as the Brewers return to the CAF Confederation Cup after a four-year absence.
Tusker open their 2026/27 campaign against Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani on Saturday, with the first leg in Sudan and the return fixture set for September 12.
The brewers earned their continental ticket after beating Kenya Police 2-1 in the Mozzart Bet Cup final in June, ending a 10-year wait for a major cup trophy.
Mette believes the team’s pre-season programme has prepared his players for the challenge ahead.
“If I am looking forward to the future, I know this was the type of game we need for our pre-season to be alert and see what the reality is in the CAF Confederation Cup,” he said.
Tusker featured in the Cecafa Kagame Cup in Rwanda, where they faced Sudanese giants Al Hilal and hosts Rayon Sports before beating Zanzibar’s KVZ.
Although they exited early, Mette said the tournament exposed his players to the intensity they can expect in the Confederation Cup.
“The Kagame Cup was important for us because it gave us a preview of the level and intensity we will face in the Confederation Cup,” he said.
Tusker followed that campaign by beating reigning FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup on August 23.
Francis Oduor, Eugene Ikutwa and Ian Simiyu scored at Nyayo Stadium as the Brewers lifted the trophy.
“It’s a great start. This was a competitive match against the league champions and Cecafa Kagame Cup finalists—not a friendly,” Mette said.
“We scored three quality goals and handled their pressure well. Tactically, technically, and mentally, it was a strong performance.”
The brewers have also rebuilt their squad, bringing in Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma, Ivorian winger Aboubacar Doumbia, Congolese goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila and Gambian forward Abdoulie Joof.
Experienced defender Abud Omar has returned from Kenya Police, while Mette continues to emphasise the importance of squad depth for a season involving both domestic and continental football.
Tusker beat Kenya Police 2-1 in another friendly on August 26 before losing 2-1 to Posta Rangers three days later.
Mette has used the matches to fine-tune his tactics rather than focus on the results.
The brewers have also welcomed the return of captain Abud Omar to light training after an ankle injury, while Mbaoma has recovered from a cut suffered in a friendly against Mombasa United.
The delayed start of the FKF Premier League means Tusker will travel to Sudan without competitive league minutes. The opening round was postponed amid an ongoing High Court injunction over the league’s relegation dispute.
Mette, however, has used the extra time to work with his squad.
“For us, it’s a pre-season; it’s like a training camp,” he said.
Tusker last featured in the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2021/22 season after dropping from the Champions League.
They beat Djibouti’s Arta Solar 7-1 on aggregate in the Champions League preliminary round before losing 5-0 to Egyptian giants Zamalek.
They then drew 0-0 with Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in Nairobi in the Confederation Cup play-off round before losing the return leg 1-0 in Sfax.
Mette now wants his side to use that experience and their recent preparations to make a strong return to continental competition.
