Ian Simiyu celebrates with coach Julien Mette after winning the Mozzart Bet Cup/HANDOUT
Coach Julien Mette has welcomed the contract extensions of midfielder Fabian Akidiny and forward Ian Simiyu, describing the pair as central figures in Tusker FC’s long-term plans ahead of next season’s FKF Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.
The duo have committed their futures to the Brewers until 2028 after signing new deals with the club. “I am happy that we can continue with Fabian and Ian.
They have demonstrated what they can offer to the team, and we must continue building this project with them,” Mette told the club’s official website.
“I am delighted that we managed to secure their futures early enough before pre-season begins, and I am looking forward to achieving even more success together with them and the rest of the team,” he added.
Akidiny and Simiyu played influential roles during the 2025/26 season as Tusker lifted the FKF MozzartBet Cup — the club’s first major trophy in a decade — and secured qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Akidiny emerged as one of Tusker’s most consistent performers, offering stability and control in midfield throughout the campaign. The 24-year-old featured in every FKF MozzartBet Cup fixture and played a crucial role in the Brewers’ successful run to the title.
In all competitions, Akidiny made 37 appearances out of a possible 40, clocking 2,725 minutes in what was his second season with the club.
His work rate also stood out, with the midfielder covering 292.9 kilometres over the course of the campaign — the second-highest distance recorded in the squad.
“Last season was very difficult for us, but we managed to give a good account of ourselves in the Cup and eventually win it. It was a season full of lessons, and I am delighted to have committed the next two years to the club,” said Akidiny. “Of course there were many suitors who came knocking, but I know what this club means to me,” he added.
Akidiny also expressed excitement about the prospect of playing in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. Simiyu, meanwhile, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in his first full season at Tusker.
The striker joined the Brewers midway through the 2024/25 season from Nzoia Sugar FC, where he had finished as the National Super League’s top scorer.
After initially taking time to settle, Simiyu established himself as a key attacking figure during the 2025/26 campaign. He finished the season with eight goals and one assist in all competitions, making 32 appearances and playing 1,614 minutes. Although he scored five league goals, it was his contribution in the FKF MozzartBet Cup that proved decisive.
Simiyu netted the winning goal in the Round of 16 victory over Kariobangi Sharks before providing the assist for Ibrahim Joshua’s stoppage-time winner against Ulinzi Stars in the quarter-finals.
He then delivered a match-winning performance in the final, scoring twice in Tusker’s 2-1 victory over Kenya Police FC to secure the trophy and CAF Confederation Cup qualification. “I am delighted to have extended my contract with the club.
This past season has been great for me, and I believe my performances showed what I can offer, which is why the club has rewarded me with this new contract,” said Simiyu. “I am now fully settled, fully focused and ready to give my very best over the next two years,” he added.
