Kapaito: Tusker out to redeem season in Cup final against Police
FILE: Tusker FC forward Erick Kapaito celebrate John Njugunas goal against AFC Leopards SC during their FKF Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on March 10, 2024. Tusker FC won 1-0. Photo/Sportpicha
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The former league champions endured a difficult campaign, finishing ninth in the standings with 45 points after 34 matches — their lowest finish in 15 years.
On their road to the FKF Cup final, the Brewers defeated Mwea United 3-2 in the Round of 64, beat Bidco United 2-0 in the Round of 32, edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 in the Round of 16, overcame Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in the quarter-finals, and eliminated KCB 4-3 in a post-match penalty shootout after their semi-final encounter.
Kapaito has played a significant role in Tusker's journey to the final. He scored the opening goal in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Ulinzi Stars and provided the assist for Bless Bakai's opener in the 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bidco United.
The former Kariobangi Sharks striker believes the club's Cup campaign has demonstrated its resilience and quality.
"We have performed well in the Cup and fought our way to the final. It has not been an easy journey, but we have shown what we can do as a team. This is an opportunity for us to make amends and win something. Tusker FC is a club known for winning trophies, and it is important that we continue that tradition," he said.
In the league, Kapaito finished the season with seven goals and one assist. Despite those contributions, he admits his individual campaign fell short of his expectations.
"Honestly, it has not been the season I wanted because I am used to reaching double figures in goals. But every player goes through difficult phases. At the same time, I choose to look at the positives. Last season in Tanzania, I did not score, and this season I managed seven goals. I believe next season will be much better," he noted.
With one match left to play, Kapaito is determined to help Tusker secure silverware and has called on the club's supporters to rally behind the team in Kwale.
"We want to finish the season with a trophy, and we know our fans have always stood by us. We urge them to come out in large numbers on Sunday and support us as we fight for this title."
Reflecting on the team's league struggles, Kapaito acknowledged that the players had fallen short of the club's expectations.
"This season has been very difficult for us because, as players, we have not performed to our standards. We struggled to get things going and finished in a position that is far below what Tusker FC expects," he said.
However, Tusker's impressive Cup run has provided an opportunity for redemption, setting up a showdown against Kenya Police FC at Kwale Stadium on Sunday.
The FKF Cup final is scheduled for Sunday at Kwale Stadium; the winner earning the ticket to represent Kenya in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

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