Tusker ready for Police test in Cup final, says Kimani

Kimani stated that the team is well prepared for the encounter and remains optimistic about its chances of lifting the trophy after addressing key weaknesses that affected their performance during the recently concluded 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League season.

According to Kimani, Tusker struggled in both defense and attack throughout the campaign, but the technical bench has since worked on improving those areas ahead of the highly anticipated final.

"We did not achieve the results we had hoped for because we struggled defensively in a couple of matches and also found it difficult to convert our chances. That is why we performed the way we did. However, these are the specific areas we have been working on ahead of the Cup final.

So far, the progress has been impressive. We have tightened our defense and are continuing to sharpen our attack. With nine days remaining before the match, we hope to be in good shape by then," said Kimani.

"We are confident and positive going into the match. We have identified the areas where we fell short during the league season and have been working hard to improve them. The team is ready for the challenge," added the former Harambee Stars defender.

The former Mathare United captain remarks, come against the backdrop of one of Tusker's most disappointing seasons in recent years. The Brewers dropped to ninth place in the final standings after finishing fourth in the previous campaign.

Tusker had hoped to end the league season on a positive note by winning their final three matches. However, they suffered consecutive defeats, losing 1-0 to Bandari and 2-0 to Ulinzi Stars before settling for a 1-1 draw against APS Bomet on the final day of the season.

Nevertheless, there are signs of progress within the squad. Barely a fortnight ago, head coach Julien Mette publicly expressed concern over the team's lack of goals ahead of the FKF Cup final, noting that the forwards had not been scoring as consistently as expected. The issue was evident in the closing stages of the league season against Bandari and Ulinzi Stars.

Tusker's attack has largely depended on Eric Kapaito for goals, with support from teenager David Polepole, who was promoted from Tusker Youth to the senior team, and Tanzanian striker Ibrahim Joshua, who returned to the club during the January transfer window for a second stint with the Ruaraka-based outfit.

"We have not been conceding many goals, but at the same time, we have not been scoring freely. We need to be at our best upfront in the final to increase our chances of winning the Cup," Mette said two weeks ago.

"We are working on improving our sharpness in attack with our three main strikers, who have performed well whenever given opportunities. However, they have not been able to score consistently," added the tactician.

Tusker booked their place in the final after defeating their opponents 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.

Mette, who has extensive coaching experience across Africa, was appointed Tusker head coach on February 20, 2026, replacing Charles Okere. Anthony Kimani was simultaneously appointed assistant coach, taking over from George Maina.

In the just-concluded 2025/26 season, Tusker finished ninth with 44 points, their lowest league finish in the last 15 years.