Mette urges patience as Tusker exit CECAFA Kagame Cup winless

The Brewers bowed out of the regional competition after suffering a second successive Group C defeat, losing 2-0 to hosts and Mette's former club, Rayon Sports, in Kigali.

Despite the disappointing results, the Frenchman believes the tournament has provided invaluable match fitness, tactical development and squad integration for a team undergoing significant transition.

Speaking after the defeat, Mette admitted the outcome was frustrating but pointed to the club's limited preparation following their late entry into the competition.

"For us, this pre-season is like a training camp. We were registered very late, had less than two weeks to prepare, and some players arrived just two days before the start," Mette said.

"In the attacking phase, you need established patterns of play and an understanding of your teammates' movement. We lacked a real attacking threat despite enjoying possession, but it has been a very useful experience."

Mette believes competing in hostile away environments and facing physically demanding opponents will accelerate the development of his youthful squad, many of whom are experiencing this level of competition for the first time.

"Many of our players are young and haven't experienced this type of atmosphere or competitive gamesmanship," he said.

"I want them to lose that naivety. In five or six weeks, we must not be naive. It is better to experience this now so we are fully prepared for our CAF campaign in September."

The Tusker coach confirmed he will largely retain the 4-4-2 system that served the club last season, while maintaining the flexibility to adapt according to the strengths of his players.

He also praised the versatility of full-back Amadou Doumbia, whose midfield background enables him to drift into central areas and operate effectively as an inverted full-back.

Despite the early elimination, Mette remains convinced the team's gradual progress will be evident when the domestic and continental campaigns begin.

"A pre-season takes six weeks—physically, mentally, technically, tactically and socially. We have 12 new players, and they need time to settle and feel at home. By September, this team will be ready," he concluded.

Mette also provided a positive update on midfielder Warsama Hassan, who was forced off through injury during the defeat to Rayon Sports.

The coach said the initial assessment from the medical team was encouraging, revealing that Hassan was able to walk after the match and made the sensible decision to come off once he felt discomfort.

He also reserved praise for midfielder Chrispine Erambo, whose energetic cameo impressed after coming off the bench, adding that squad rotation will continue throughout pre-season to ensure every player gains valuable competitive minutes.

Tusker's attention now turns to completing their preparations ahead of the new season, with Mette confident the lessons learned in Kigali will strengthen his side before their domestic and CAF Confederation Cup commitments.