Tusker ready to roar in Kigali as CECAFA challenge beckons

Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has vowed to forge a formidable force capable of lighting up the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup battlefield in Kigali, Rwanda, later this month.

Speaking with a steely resolve, the Frenchman unveiled his roadmap for success, detailing the dreams, expectations and targets fuelling his pursuit of glory in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

The doors to the regional extravaganza swung open unexpectedly for the Mozzart Bet Cup champions after Sudan behemoths Al Merreikh bowed out, presenting a rare opportunity to measure their mettle against the finest forces in East Africa.

The prestigious regional showpiece is set to burst into life on July 24, when East Africa’s football giants converge for a fierce battle of ambition, pride and supremacy.

Drawn against formidable opposition in Group C, including Al Hilal (Sudan), Rayon Sports (Rwanda) and KVZ FC (Zanzibar), Tusker are preparing for a stern regional examination, with head coach Julien Mette demanding a fearless pursuit of success.

“We did not come here from France just to be tourists in East Africa; our objective is strictly to win,” declared Mette during a training session at the Ruaraka grounds.

The tactician has engineered a bold squad revolution, injecting fresh energy, continental experience and proven quality into a team determined to rise above regional rivals and command the East African stage.

A new wave of marquee arrivals has swept through the squad, with Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma bringing attacking firepower from Remo Stars, Abud Omar returning with a wealth of experience, and Sven Yidah adding steel and creativity to the middle of the park.

The Frenchman believes Tusker’s early transfer activity has been a masterstroke, assembling the ingredients required to compete fiercely against the best forces in East Africa and beyond. “The recruitment started very early because we knew exactly the type of quality we needed to compete on the continent,” he said.

Despite the influx of new talent, the Frenchman has maintained faith in the core group that delivered the Mozzart Bet Cup crown last season, with young attacker Ian Simiyu emerging as a key figure in his plans. “We are building our attacking setup around Ian Simiyu because his growth and performance in the cup final proved he is ready for this level,” Mette added.

Mette has put his squad through a demanding pre-season furnace, shaping a team that can absorb pressure, maintain discipline and explode forward with purpose when opportunities arise. “I expect absolute discipline from day one because international tournaments do not forgive cheap defensive mistakes,” warned the coach.

Tusker’s quest for regional glory will burst into life against Sudanese giants Al Hilal on July 26 at the Amahoro Stadium, a heavyweight opening duel set to reveal the true strength of the Brewers’ continental ambitions.

The Frenchman has spent the past fortnight moulding his charges into a more fluid and fearless unit, built to move the ball with purpose and command the tempo against physically imposing rivals. “Our training is engineered around quick ball movement to ensure we control the tempo of the game,” he explained.

Mette believes the Kagame Cup can become the spark that ignites Tusker’s continental ambitions, forging a stronger mentality and preparing his players to stand tall when the CAF Confederation Cup battles begin. “We must eliminate any form of mental fragility if we want to be respected as champions,” he stated.

After facing Al Hilal, Tusker will battle Rayon Sports and KVZ FC in what promises to be a demanding group stage, requiring careful squad management and maximum concentration.

However, Mette remains confident that the depth of his rebuilt squad can withstand the pressure. “Every single player in this travelling squad earned their place and must be ready to execute when called upon,” he said.

As departure day approaches, optimism continues to grow within the Brewers’ camp, with players eager to test themselves against the region’s elite. For Mette, the Kagame Cup represents more than just another tournament — it is the stage where Tusker hope to announce their arrival as a serious force in East African football.

“This tournament is the perfect platform to show our readiness for the long season ahead,” he concluded.