Equity Bank coach on adapting to NSL after shift from Division Two

Equity Bank FC head coach John Mbenzo has detailed the key areas in which his team has improved since gaining promotion to the National Super League (NSL).

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The Bankers joined the second tier this season after a merger with the now-defunct SamWest Blackboots.

Last season, the team was relegated from Division One to the fourth tier before earning a new lifeline through the merger that saw them elevated to the NSL.

Despite the quick transition, Mbenzo’s side has adapted impressively to the demands of the higher division, showing discipline and maturity in their performances.

In their opening five matches, Equity have lost only once, to Fortune Sacco, while drawing with Mwatate United and winning the other three fixtures.

However, the coach admits that life in the new league has not been easy. His side initially struggled defensively, particularly on set pieces, conceding soft goals in their first few outings.

“In our first game, we conceded through set pieces. We have gone back, worked on it, and today we scored from a similar situation. It is a learning process every day,” Mbenzo said.

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He spoke after guiding his team to a 1–0 victory over league leaders Kibera Black Stars on Sunday at Hope Centre, courtesy of a goal by Gor Mahia loanee Sydney Ogutu.

Earlier in the campaign, the Bankers conceded from set pieces in their 3–1 win against Kabati Youth, their 2–2 draw with Mwatate United in Wundanyi, and their 1–0 defeat to Fortune Sacco.

“The last time we conceded from a set piece, there were too many assumptions in our box. Today, we tried man-to-man marking, and it worked very well for us,” Mbenzo explained.

Having tightened his defence and stopped the league leaders, Mbenzo is now turning his focus to building a balanced and consistent team.

“Going forward, the plan is to keep improving. In the first four games, we conceded in the opening half; in the last game, we conceded twice in the second half, but today we did not concede at all.

That shows progress, and we will continue building from there,” he added.

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Reflecting on the match against Kibera Black Stars, the gaffer lauded his players for their resilience and tactical discipline.

“It was a very competitive game against a team that has been at the top of the league almost every season. Our preparation was good; we anticipated how they would approach the game, absorbed the early pressure, and settled well. It was not easy, but the plan worked,” he said.

The win lifted Equity to sixth place on 10 points after five matches, with two games in hand, which is a strong start for the newcomers who are steadily finding their rhythm in the second tier.