Kenya Premier League side KCB FC will be aiming to reach the Mozzart Bet Cup final when the team takes on rivals Tusker FC this Saturday, 16 May, in the semi-final clash at the Nyayo Stadium, following an impressive run in this year’s competition.
Tusker will face KCB from 1:00 pm before Kenya Police take on Bandari in the second semi-final later in the day.
The team, under the guidance of head coach Robert Matano, last reached the FKF Cup final in the 2023/2024 season, where they lost to Kenya Police, who won on penalties after a barren draw in regular time.
The Bankers kickstarted their knockout campaign on a high, winning 1-0 over lower division side Compel FC. In the Round of 32, Matano’s men swept away varsity lads Zetech Titans 4-0 to secure their place in the Round of 16, where they went on to see off Chebaiywa Lions 3-0, thus qualifying for the quarters.
Speaking ahead of the match, KCB FC head coach Robert Matano said: “We have worked hard to reach this stage, and the players have shown great discipline and character. Tusker is a strong opponent, but we are prepared for the challenge and focused on achieving our objective of reaching the final.”
Richard Omondi’s strike was enough for KCB to knock Nairobi United out in the quarters, showcasing KCB’s excellent run of form this season compared to their previous season, where they lost 1-0 to the same opponents in the Round of 16.
“The boys are ready. We have had our winnings; we have improved our strategy. We are ready to take on Tusker FC and emerge victorious,” said Alembo, Team Captain of KCB FC.
Notably, KCB reached the semi-finals of the FKF Cup without conceding a single goal, underscoring their solid backline that has largely seen Fadhili Masoud, Nashon Alembi, Siraj Mohammed, and Victor Okello start for the bankers.
Meanwhile, Tusker FC coach Julien Mette admits his side will take ‘dirty goal’ against KCB, according to MozzartSport.
The French tactician, who has previously criticised teams for employing dark arts and time-wasting tactics in the league, appeared to embrace a more pragmatic approach ahead of Tusker’s semi-final clash against KCB.
Mette has now sparked fresh debate over gamesmanship in Kenyan football after openly admitting that Tusker would not mind scoring a “dirty goal” if it helps them reach the Mozzart Bet Cup final.
Speaking during a press session on the sidelines of training on Thursday, 14 May, Mette said qualification remains the only priority for the brewers.
“I am focused on giving the team the confidence and will to win no matter what. Of course, we want to keep our philosophy, but if we can score a ‘dirty goal,’ we will take that,” Mette told MozzartSport.
The 44-year-old further underlined the high stakes surrounding the encounter, insisting his side is fully motivated to secure a place in the final.
“It is very simple: you live, or you die. We are motivated because we know that if we go to the final, we will win the cup,” he added.
“The mindset is good. The last victory gave us confidence. We know that Tusker can beat anybody but can also suffer defeat against anybody, and therefore, my work is to keep the players focused and humbled.”
Mette also explained why he believes the semifinal presents a tougher challenge than the final itself, especially in a tactical battle where one moment can completely alter the approach of the game.
“The semi-final is more difficult than the final because, for instance, if you score a goal, you do not know whether to look for a second one or keep the scoreline, which can cause a lot of confusion to the players,” he concluded.
