Mette plans Tusker attack around FKF Cup hero Simiyu

The decision follows Simiyu's outstanding performance in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup final, where his two first-half goals earned Tusker a 2-1 victory over Kenya Police and helped the Brewers lift the trophy.

The French tactician praised the former Nzoia Sugar player, who spent much of last season coming off the bench.

"When I joined in February, I left Simiyu out of the starting line-up, but I quickly realised he had something special. Whenever I brought him on, he would make an impact, score goals and help us win or secure draws.

"Today (Sunday), I decided to start him and you saw how his pace troubled the opposition. Our other strikers have not been clinical enough, but Simiyu got two clear chances and took both of them. He is quick and used that pace to our advantage."

Despite his praise, Mette believes Simiyu still has room for improvement, particularly physically.

"If someone told you this boy was playing in the second tier last season, you would not believe it. This is his first season in the top flight and he has shown that he belongs at this level.

"However, if I want to build my attack around him next season, especially with our return to continental football after five years, he needs to become physically stronger. We will work with him in the gym to ensure he has the right physique for next season and the bigger stage."

Speaking to Citizen Digital in October last year, Simiyu said he was determined to carry his prolific goalscoring form from the National Super League (NSL) into the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Before joining the former champions, he scored 13 goals for Nzoia Sugar in his final NSL campaign and believed he could replicate that form with the 13-time league champions.

The winger, who turned down an offer from fellow NSL side Naivas FC to join Tusker, said he was determined to help the club win silverware.

In October 2025, the 22-year-old came off the bench to score his first goal for the Brewers, earning them a valuable point against Shabana FC at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

"I have been working on my finishing and decision-making, and it is starting to pay off. I will continue improving because I want to contribute more to the team," he told Citizen Digital.

Last season, Tusker struggled for consistency and often lacked a cutting edge in attack following the departure of Harambee Stars striker Ryan-Wesley Ogam, who now plays for Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Simiyu's emergence could provide the answer to Mette's attacking concerns. Two weeks before the FKF Cup final, the Frenchman openly expressed frustration with his forwards, saying they were not scoring as freely as expected.

Tusker have largely relied on Eric Kapaito for goals, with support from teenager David Polepole, who was promoted from Tusker Youth two seasons ago, and Tanzanian forward Ibrahim Joshua, who rejoined the club during the January transfer window for a second spell with the Ruaraka-based side.

"We have not been conceding many goals, but we have not been scoring enough either. We need to be at our best in attack in the final to increase our chances of winning the Cup," Mette said ahead of the match.

Mette added that Simiyu handles pressure better than most of his attacking options, which influenced his decision to start him in the final and his plans to make him a key figure next season.

"You know, when you play for Tusker, the pressure is greater, but I am ready for that challenge. I want to prove to the coaches that I belong here by giving everything for the team every day. Fans should expect more goals and assists from me," Simiyu said in October 2025.

Simiyu was named FKF Cup Midfielder of the Tournament and Most Promising Player after his impressive performances. The winger has already promised Tusker supporters that there is much more to come next season.