Momanyi eyes redemption as Tusker chase FKF Cup glory

Momanyi expects a tightly contested encounter and says the side that shows greater determination on the day will emerge victorious.

"This will be a very tough game. We are facing a good side with quality players and a strong technical bench. We know they are determined to win, and so are we. Whoever wants it more will win it, and I believe we want it badly. I have seen the focus, determination and hunger from the players in training," said Momanyi.

The defender said the final presents Tusker with an opportunity to rescue a season that fell short of expectations after the club finished ninth in the FKF Premier League.

"This is a good chance for us to make amends for the season we have had," he added.

Reflecting on the league campaign, Momanyi admitted the Brewers underperformed.

"This is my fifth season at Tusker and we have never finished that low. We are all disappointed, but there are important lessons to learn and areas we must improve heading into next season," he said.

"The season has not been good for us. In my previous four seasons here, we always finished in the top four. We have reflected on where things went wrong and identified areas that need improvement. We are determined to come back stronger next season and challenge for the league title."

Momanyi attributed part of the team's struggles to defensive lapses and a lack of resilience when trailing in matches.

"We conceded too many easy goals and were not scoring as freely as we should have. Another challenge was our inability to recover after falling behind. Last season, we showed resilience by coming from behind to win matches, but that was missing this year," he explained.

The Tusker captain also acknowledged the impact of the club's mid-season coaching change but believes the team adapted well.

"Changing coaches in the middle of the season disrupted us, but we adapted quickly to the new coach's philosophy. That helped us improve our league form and perform well in the Cup, which is why we are in the final.

"We can already see improvements under Julien Mette compared to where we were earlier in the season. We hope to build on that progress and carry it into next season."

Despite Police completing a league double over Tusker with 2-1 and 1-0 victories, Momanyi insists cup football presents a different challenge.

"Cup competitions are different from the league. The team that is hungrier for the title will win on Sunday. I want to assure our fans that we are the hungrier side, and we will do everything possible to bring the trophy home and salvage our season," he said.

"Tusker is a club with a rich history of winning trophies, and we believe it is time to return to those standards. The mood in camp is positive and the players are fully focused on the challenge ahead."

Momanyi is also aware of the significance of lifting the FKF Cup, with continental football on the line.

"Winning this Cup will earn us a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, which would provide a great platform for players who aspire to play abroad. Many of us share that ambition, so we will give our very best.

"However, we know it will not be easy because Kenya Police have similar ambitions. They also want to salvage their season and secure continental football."

Momanyi has featured in all five of Tusker's FKF Cup matches this season, making him the only player to play every minute of the Brewers' run to the final.