Simiyu proudly displays the Mozzart Bet Cup trophy Tusker won in Kwale/HANDOUT
Mozzart Bet Cup Most Valuable Player Ian Simiyu has challenged Tusker FC to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage after a dream season that saw him sweep individual honours and help end the club’s decade-long wait for major knockout silverware.
The midfielder, who was also named Midfielder of the Tournament and Man of the Match after scoring a brace in Tusker’s cup final victory over Kenya Police, says the Brewers are targeting a strong CAF Confederation Cup campaign rather than merely making up the numbers.
“My immediate focus is to help Tusker dominate the continental stage in the CAF Confederation Cup next season,” Simiyu said.
“We are not just going there to participate; we want to prove that Kenyan football has the quality to match the best clubs across the continent.”
The continental assignment represents another major step in Simiyu’s rapid rise from second-tier football to becoming one of the country’s most influential midfielders.
While Tusker seek to re-establish themselves among Africa’s leading clubs, Simiyu views the competition as an opportunity to test himself against elite opposition before eventually pursuing a move abroad. “I want to leave a lasting legacy here before I eventually make the step to pursue my football career abroad,” he said.
“Playing in Africa gives me the perfect platform to test myself against different tactical systems and elite physical players.”
Simiyu credited coach Julien Mette for transforming both his game and mentality, saying the French tactician’s demanding standards have prepared the team for the challenges that lie ahead.
“Coach Mette completely changed my mentality by pushing me out of my comfort zone every single day in training,” Simiyu said. “For us to survive and thrive against North and West African giants, every player must replicate that discipline and demand absolute defensive accountability.”
The former St Anthony’s Boys Kitale star admitted that adapting to top-flight football was initially difficult, forcing him to remain patient and learn from the sidelines before earning a regular place in the team.
“My first few months at this club were incredibly challenging because the rhythm of top-flight football is entirely different,” he said. “I had to sit on the bench, watch closely and completely reinvent my approach to the game.”
Having emerged as one of the dressing room’s leaders, Simiyu believes mental resilience will be key if Tusker are to make an impact in Africa.
“When things get tough on the continental road, the pressure will become immense, but we must remain calm and compact,” he said. “Success in Africa requires more than just skill; it demands absolute mental resilience until the final whistle.”
After ending the club’s 10-year knockout trophy drought and collecting the top individual awards in the competition, Simiyu believes Tusker have laid the foundation for even greater achievements.
“This is just the beginning of a very long and successful journey for this group of players,” he said. “We have tasted success now, and it has only made us hungrier for more silverware on the big stage.”
