Tusker winger explains changes made by French coach since taking over
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.04.26. | 18:03
Okere left the club at a time when results and performances had begun to dip, with Tusker struggling to replicate the consistency that had seen them compete closely with FKF Premier League giants over the past decade
Tusker FC winger Ian Simiyu has highlighted a notable transformation in the team’s approach to matches following the arrival of head coach Julien Mette.
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Mette, who was brought in to steady the Brewers' rocking ship mid-season, has overseen a mixed start to life at Ruaraka, registering three wins and three losses in the FKF Premier League, alongside a Mozzart Bet Cup victory.
Their latest outing saw the Brewers edge Kariobangi Sharks 1-0, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the domestic cup.
Tusker currently sit 10th on the league table with 37 points, a position that speaks volumes of a challenging campaign for a side traditionally in the title conversation.
Okere left the club at a time when results and performances had begun to dip, with Tusker struggling to replicate the consistency that had seen them compete closely with FKF Premier League giants over the past decade.
The Brewers had endured eight defeats in 20 matches, a run that ultimately forced the club’s management into making a rare mid-season coaching change, the first since Robert Matano’s appointment in 2018.
Despite backing Okere after narrowly missing out on the title last season, where Tusker’s challenge faded in the final stretch, the club opted for a fresh direction as hopes of salvaging the current campaign waned.
Mette’s appointment also marked a departure from tradition, as he became the club’s first European coach since 1990.
Tusker had largely relied on local coaches, with the few foreign appointments in recent years coming from Uganda, including Paul Nkata, George 'Best' Nsimbe, and Sam Ssimbwa.
📺| ICYMI: Ian Simiyu reflects on the goal that took us to the R16 in the Cup, what it means for him and his ambition for the rest of the season.#KenyaMilele #GameNiYetu pic.twitter.com/hLzAeXzjC3
— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) April 12, 2026
The Belgian tactician, however, brought continental experience, having previously handled Rayon Sports in Rwanda and guided AS Otohô in Congo Brazzaville to a league title.
According to Simiyu, the changes under Mette are already evident, particularly in the team’s style of play and overall mentality.
“Since the new coach came in, our style of play has changed. It’s a positive shift; we’re playing good football. Everyone is working hard in training to fully adapt to this style,” Simiyu told Mozzart Sport.
The winger also emphasised the squad's growing competitiveness and their ambitions in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
“The competition is very tough. We’ve had difficult fixtures in the Mozzart Bet Cup, but we’re hopeful of going all the way and winning it.
At the moment, the team’s mentality is all about winning. Everyone is pushing to compete and deliver good results,” he added.
Simiyu was the hero in Tusker’s win over Sharks, scoring the decisive goal before picking up a knock later in the match. He, however, downplayed the injury concerns ahead of a crucial clash against Gor Mahia.
“It was just a knock. I was in some pain, but I’ll manage it and assess how I feel ahead of the next game. I’m confident I’ll be available for the Gor Mahia match,” he noted.
Individually, the winger is also targeting a strong finish to the season. He is eyeing double digits, having netted four league goals and opened his Mozzart Bet Cup account.
“So far, I’ve scored four league goals, and I also got my first in the Mozzart Bet Cup. I’m confident I can reach the 10-goal mark,” he said.