Tusker Youth confident of turning season around after experience from 82 Ultimate Cup
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 05.02.26. | 15:14
The Brewers’ youngsters finished runners-up in the tournament after narrowly losing 4–2 on penalties to Leads United
Tusker Youth have swiftly turned their attention back to the FKF Division II after an impressive run at the third edition of the 82 Ultimate Cup, with head coach Peter Kariuki confident the experience will spark an upturn in league form.
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The Brewers’ youngsters finished runners-up in the tournament after narrowly losing 4–2 on penalties to Leads United in Sunday’s final, following a tightly contested encounter.
Despite the heartbreak, Kariuki expressed pride in his side’s overall display and growth throughout the competition.
Tusker Youth had earlier claimed the Kasarani Region title to book a place in the County finals, where they underlined their quality with composed victories in both the quarter-final and semi-final stages before meeting fellow FKF Division II side Leads United in the final.
“I am really proud of the boys,” said Kariuki. “We showed what we are capable of and played high-level football across all our matches.
The character, discipline and maturity the players displayed was impressive, and I am very pleased with the experience we gained from this tournament.”
The coach highlighted the intensity of the competition, noting that the demanding schedule provided valuable lessons for his young squad.
“Playing three intense, high-level matches in just three days really tests a team, and as a technical bench, we are delighted with the progress and lessons taken,” he added.
Reflecting on the final, Kariuki acknowledged the fine margins that often define cup football.
“Penalties are always about who is luckiest on the day. We should have wrapped up the game in regulation time, but that is football.
These are tough lessons for young players and part of the learning curve in this beautiful game. I cannot fault the boys at all. They played their hearts out.”
Tusker Youth walked away with Ksh500,000 for finishing second, but Kariuki insisted the true value of the tournament lay in the experience gained rather than the financial reward.
Focus now shifts back to the FKF Division II League, where Tusker Youth sit eighth on the table with 12 points from 10 matches.
While the season has not started as strongly as hoped, the coach believes the confidence and momentum drawn from the 82 Ultimate Cup can drive improved performances.
Team Manager Calvin Odhiambo echoed the coach’s optimism, stressing the importance of carrying the cup form into the league.
“I am really happy with what I saw. The boys exhibited a great fighting spirit and we were just unlucky on the day. We want to use this momentum going into the league, and I am very confident we will post improved results,” said Odhiambo.
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