Tusker FC kicks off the hunt for the fourth Football Kenya Federation (FKF) MozzartBet Cup away in Kirinyaga County on Sunday afternoon, with a duel against Division II Side Mwea United FC.
Having suffered Cup heartache in consecutive seasons, the team looks to write the wrongs and start up a full blown campaign, with the ambition being the title, the first since 1993.
Last season, the team fell at the second hurdle, losing to eventual champions Nairobi United on post-match penalties. In the other campaign, the team fell 1-0 to then defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz in the quarter finals, the same team that had hitherto beaten us to clinch the title.
This time round, the team wants to pout up a meticulous campaign that will ensure a title at the end of the season. Assistant coach George Maina has underlined the importance of giving maximum effort.
“The Cup is very important for us. These are six matches in front of us and, if we execute well, we have a chance to win a trophy and qualify for continental football next season. We cannot underrate anyone—especially in the Cup, where every team wants to prove a point. We must approach it positively and give our best,” he added.
The team comes into the Cup game off a positive end to January, having beaten KCB 2-1 and drawn 1-1 with Posta Rangers last weekend. In both matches, the team showed improvements across all departments, but the coaching team now wants to see perfect execution.
Coach Maina says they will ensure the squad remains fresh, with rotation in some positions to also give other players an opportunity to express themselves and show what they can give the team, especially those who haven’t had much playing time.
