Julien Mette gives a player a bib during training this morning. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

At Nyayo National Stadium this morning, Tusker coach Julien Mette made one thing clear: the biggest challenge for his team on Sunday is not Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars. It is remaining true to who they are.

The Brewers host the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie tomorrow, nevertheless Mette spent little time talking about the opposition. He admitted he skipped watching Singida’s earlier CAF match because the gap in level was too wide. Instead, his staff studied five Tanzanian league games to understand how the visitors score and concede.

Even that work is secondary. “We prepare the players mainly on an individual basis, what will happen in their zone and what type of opponent they will face. That accounts for only about thirty per cent of the work. Seventy per cent is about reinforcing our own identity and the philosophy of our players.” Mette said.

Tusker players during final training ahead of the Singida match. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Mette warned against any sense of comfort after ninety minutes. He pointed to Nairobi United’s painful exit last season, when a 2-0 home lead turned into elimination on penalties, and to Tusker’s own experience of leading 2-0 at half-time only to finish 2-2. “Everything depends on the character of the players. After the first leg nothing is decided and nothing is finished.” He further noted.

Inside the squad the mood is straightforward. Striker Stephen Omondi simply wants the chance. “If I am given the chance I will put in everything I have, because as a team our aim is to qualify for the group stages.”

Winger Ian Simiyu carries a more personal drive. “My dream was to play in the CAF competitions and I am not finished yet. Being young and living your dream while you are still young is a very good feeling.”

For Tusker, Sunday is less about out-thinking Singida and more about proving they know who they are.