Tusker FC have pulled out of the SportPesa Shield Cup.
The former Shield champions made the unfamiliar decision just hours to the draws of the knockout competition that they last won in 2016.
The development means that Naivas will now play in the round of 32.
This will be the first time since 1975, when the Brewers won the trophy, that the four-time Shield champions will not participate in the domestic cup competition.
Tusker, who are fifth in the Kenyan Premier League table, said that they want to channel all the energy on winning a first league title since 2016 when they won a double.
“The club’s management decision is meant to enable the team to concentrate on the Kenyan Premier League, the club chairman Daniel Aduda confirmed.
“It was not an easy decision to make but we want to help the team concentrate on the league. We have a target of winning the title and want to focus on that.”
But the decision might jeopardize their chances of taking part in the continental stage should they fail to grab the league title.
The winner of the Shield Cup earns a ticket to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup, while league winners participate in the first tier Caf Champions League.
Tusker is currently fifth in the league table with 25 points and plays AFC Leopards on Saturday at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
2019 SportPesa Shield Cup full draw:
Fortune Sacco vs Wazito,
Uprising vs Western Stima,
Kenpoly vs Gor Mahia,
Kayo FC vs Bandari,
Congo Boys vs Kenya Police,
Emmausians vs Mwatate United,
Naivas vs Tusker,
SS Asad vs Ulinzi Stars,
Bungoma Super Stars vs Sofapaka,
Transfoc vs AFC Leopards,
Muranga Seal vs Kisumu All-Stars,
Elim FC vs Kariobangi Sharks,
Trans Mara Sugar vs Bidco United,
Dero FC vs FC Talanta,
Vihiga Sportiff vs Ushuru,
Sindo United vs KCB.
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