Matano tipped to end KCB trophy drought
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 24.07.25. | 15:23
Okwemba also noted that the current squad has a strong foundation and only requires minimal reinforcements to become title contenders
Former AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba has thrown his support behind new KCB FC head coach Robert Matano, expressing confidence that the experienced tactician can steer the club to long-awaited success.
Matano, who took over at the helm a month ago, has been actively rebuilding the squad ahead of the new season.
Several players have been released, including: Michael Mutinda, Danson Chetambe, Danson Kiprono, Francis Oduor, Francis Kahiro, and Joshua Nyatini, among others.
In their place, the club has brought in new faces such as: Humphrey Mieno, Rowland Makati, Josephat Andafu, Kevin Etemesi, and Fortune Omoto.
KCB is keen to clinch its first-ever top-flight silverware after coming close on two occasions.
In 2021, they narrowly missed out on the league title to Tusker FC on the final day of the season, while in 2024, they lost the Mozzart Bet Cup final to Kenya Police FC on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
With high expectations heading into the 2025/26 season, stakeholders believe Matano could be the one to finally deliver silverware to the Bankers. Among those supporting him is Okwemba, who previously worked with Matano at AFC Leopards.
“He is a respected coach who has won titles with different clubs. KCB knows they are getting a proven winner with the experience needed to bring success to the team. I’m confident he will deliver, provided he receives the necessary support,” Okwemba told Citizen Digital.
Okwemba also noted that the current squad has a strong foundation and only requires minimal reinforcements to become title contenders, provided the management fully backs the rebuilding process.
“The team already has quality players. They just need a few reinforcements in key departments. I believe the management will support the technical bench in building a strong squad,” he added.
The Bankers have been involved in a series of friendly matches as part of their preparations for the new season, which is tentatively set to kick off on September 20.
Okwemba also weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding an alleged fallout between FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy McDonald Mariga.
While the federation has dismissed the claims, Okwemba cautioned that the internal strife is damaging the sport’s image.
“These wrangles and the confusion we are seeing are tarnishing the image of the country and the federation. We should be in the final stages of preparation, but that’s not what is happening. There’s an urgent need to resolve these issues and prioritise the national team’s readiness for the tournament,” Okwemba emphasised.
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