The rise and rise of Ian Simiyu, Tusker’s golden boy behind Cup success

While Tusker FC celebrated lifting the 2026 FKF Cup trophy at Kwale Stadium on Sunday, June 14, the tournament’s closing chapter was equally about the players whose performances lit up the competition from start to finish.

From Ian Simiyu’s match-winning heroics in the final to Aboud Omar’s consistency in defence, Amza Mubarak’s goal-scoring exploits and Elvis Ochoro’s brilliance between the posts, the tournament’s top performers were recognised after months of standout displays across the competition.

Leading the honours list was Tusker’s Ian Simiyu, who delivered when it mattered most. The forward scored twice in Tusker’s 2-1 victory over Kenya Police FC in the final, helping the Brewers secure their first domestic cup title since 2016, a KSh3 million winners’ prize and a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Simiyu opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Kenya Police responded through defender Aboud Omar just minutes later with a well-taken free kick. However, the Tusker forward restored his side’s advantage in the 38th minute, a goal that ultimately proved decisive as the Brewers held firm through the second half to claim the trophy.

His performance earned him both the Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Tournament awards, with the MVP accolade carrying a KSh100, 000 cash reward.

“The match has been hard but I thank God for that win. It’s been a tough game but I was prepared mentally, so I thank God for that win,” Simiyu said after collecting his awards.

Reflecting on Tusker’s transformation over recent months, the forward credited a renewed belief within the squad.

“We’ve changed on a lot of things in terms of mentality and confidence in the team. As we play, we believe we can win as Tusker,” he said.

Simiyu’s rise has been one of the tournament’s standout success stories. The forward joined Tusker from National Super League side Naivas FC and initially struggled for regular playing time following Julien Mette’s arrival in February. However, his persistence and knack for scoring in crucial moments gradually earned him a bigger role in the squad. His match-winning brace in the final capped a remarkable breakthrough season in the top flight, transforming him from a relatively unknown talent into one of the most talked-about players in Kenyan football.

Much of Simiyu’s growth has coincided with the arrival of French coach Mette, who took over at Tusker after replacing Charles Okere. The former Rwanda national team coach inherited a side struggling for consistency and searching for silverware. Under his leadership, Tusker regained confidence and competitiveness, culminating in their FKF Cup triumph and qualification for continental football.

Mette believes Simiyu’s emergence is one of the biggest positives from his first few months at the club.

“When I arrived at the end of February, Simiyu was more on the bench. But every time I put him in, he scored and worked very well under pressure. Today the two goals helped the team. It’s his first season in the first division and he’s a good discovery for Kenyan football,” said Mette.

While Simiyu stole the headlines, Kenya Police defender Aboud Omar left the tournament with individual recognition of his own. The experienced defender was named Defender of the Tournament after a series of commanding performances throughout Police’s run to the final.

Omar also made his mark on the showpiece match, curling home a free kick to level the scores after Simiyu’s opener and briefly reignite Police’s hopes of completing a domestic double over Tusker – having beaten the latter last term too.

The Golden Boot award was shared by Bandari FC’s Amza Mubarak and Humphrey Aroko, who finished as the tournament’s joint top scorers with six goals each. Mubarak further enhanced his reputation on finals day, scoring in Bandari’s 2-0 victory over KCB in the third-place playoff.

That win secured third place for the Dockers, with Andrew Juma adding the second goal as Bandari ended their cup campaign on a positive note.

KCB goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro was recognised as Goalkeeper of the Tournament after producing a string of impressive displays that helped guide the Bankers deep into the competition. Although KCB missed out on a podium finish, Ochoro’s consistency throughout the tournament earned him the award ahead of his peers.

The individual awards reflected the quality and depth that characterised this year’s competition, with both established names and emerging talents producing memorable moments along the road to the final.

Yet as the curtain came down on the 2026 FKF Cup, one name stood above the rest. Simiyu arrived at Kwale Stadium chasing a trophy and left with far more—a winners’ medal, two individual awards, a KSh100, 000 MVP prize and the distinction of being the face of a tournament that showcased the next generation of Kenyan football talent.