Mette urges Tusker to move on after CAF Cup heartbreak ahead of Mathare United tie

Mette says his players were frustrated after the Brewers failed to reach the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Tanzania's Singida Black Stars in the second preliminary round.

The tactician says that his players believe they could have done better, particularly in the home leg, but has challenged them to channel their disappointment into positive performances in the domestic league.

Speaking on Wednesday evening after a training session ahead of Today's encounter, scheduled for 3pm at Moi Stadium in Embu, Mette said the team needed competitive matches to overcome the setback.

"My players have a mental injury, and they have a lot of regret because they feel we could have done better. This can only be cured by playing matches immediately, and I am glad we have a league match just three days after returning from Tanzania," said Mette.

The coach has also reminded his players that winning domestic silverware remains the most realistic route back to continental football next season.

"I have asked them to focus on the league because if they want to get back to CAF competitions next year, they need to win trophies here in the country. The avenues to the two competitions are by winning the league or the Mozzart Cup," he added.

With the demanding two-legged continental assignment behind them, Mette is considering rotating his squad to manage fatigue while giving other players an opportunity to prove themselves.

The coach says he has prepared the entire squad for the Mathare United clash and is confident that the players brought into the starting line-up will deliver.

"I am going to rest some of the players who faced Singida, although I have prepared the whole team. Some players are frustrated because they have not had enough minutes, so I am going to give them an opportunity to play, and I am confident they will perform well even after rotating the squad," he said.

Mette believes making changes early in the season will also help him identify reliable alternatives who can step in when injuries and fatigue affect the squad later in the campaign.

"Squad rotation this early will help us know who we can rely on when players get injured during the season. My two club analysts have already identified those who need to rest and those who will stand in for them. I am sure we will adapt, redeem ourselves and bounce back immediately," he added.

Captain Aboud Omar and midfielder Crispine Erambo are among the players who could be rested after a demanding international schedule.

The two missed Tusker's season-opening 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars, with Victor Mbaoma and Alvin Mangeni scoring second-half goals to secure the three points for the Brewers.

According to Mette, the pair needed time to recover after travelling with Harambee Stars to Guinea for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before proceeding to Rwanda for an international friendly and subsequently returning to Kenya.

Tusker have received a boost with the return of defender Thomas Teka Omenda and midfielder Hassan Warsama, who had been nursing injuries. The Djiboutian Warsama has has since recovered and featured in both matches against Singida Black Stars, providing Mette with additional options as he prepares for the busy domestic campaign.

Tusker head into Thursday's encounter with three points from their opening match, sitting 11th on the league table, 12 points behind leaders Gor Mahia, who have played three matches more.

Mathare United, meanwhile, are 17th with two points from three matches and will be eager to secure their first victory of the season when the two sides meet in Embu.