Tusker Fc celebrate after winning the Mozzart Bet Cup 2026/HANDOUT
Tusker FC have arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 2026 Cecafa Kagame Cup, hoping to use the regional showpiece as a springboard for what is expected to be a demanding 2026/27 campaign.
The brewers will leverage the tournament to build match fitness, foster team chemistry, and give the newly assembled squad valuable competitive minutes ahead of a grueling season where they will feature in the SportPesa League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Tusker kick off their Group C fixtures against Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC on Sunday at the Amahoro Stadium, before taking on hosts Rayon Sports FC on July 29 at the Kigali Pelé Stadium. They conclude their group stage campaign against KVZ SC on August 1 at the same venue.
Head coach Julien Mette views the tournament as a vital piece of his pre-season preparations as he continues to integrate new signings and instill his tactical philosophy. The club management hopes the high-intensity matches in Kigali will fast-track team cohesion to ensure competitiveness on both domestic and continental fronts.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Kigali, Kenya Breweries managing director Andrew Kilonzo described the tournament as an ideal testing ground for the tasks ahead.
“Playing in the Cecafa Kagame Cup comes at a crucial time for us as a club. We have a demanding season ahead and this tournament provides the opportunity to prepare in a truly competitive environment. With a newly assembled team, these matches are vital for building chemistry and the tactical understanding needed for the season,” said Kilonzo.
Kilonzo noted that testing themselves against regional heavyweights—a field that includes Simba SC, APR FC, Rayon Sports, Singida Black Stars, and Gor Mahia—will offer a clear benchmark for the squad’s progress ahead of their return to continental action.
“The Cecafa Kagame Cup is an excellent pre-season tournament because it blends preparation with competitive edge,” Kilonzo added. “The experience gained here will be invaluable as we prepare for the FKF Premier League and, crucially, continental football. Our goal is to use every match to improve, help the players gel, and build a winning mentality. We believe the team will return home more cohesive and formidable.”
Tusker aim to secure a strong start against Al Hilal to anchor their bid for a spot in the knockout rounds.
According to tournament rules, the semi-finals on August 4 will feature the Group B winners against the Group C winners, while the Group A winners will clash with the best runner-up across all groups. The tournament will culminate in the final on August 7 in Kigali.
