KCB boss Mwalala reveals plan to toss aside AFC Leopards in midweek encounter

KCB boss Mwalala reveals plan to toss aside AFC Leopards in midweek encounter

Mark Kinyanjui 19:45 - 18.06.2024

Bernard Mwalala has revealed his plan to pile more misery on AFC Leopards when both sides meet on Wednesday afternoon.

KCB head coach Bernard Mwalala has outlined his strategy to further compound the woes of AFC Leopards following their recent 4-3 defeat in a league clash at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay. 

The Bankers, who themselves were held to a 0-0 draw by Posta Rangers, are currently positioned 11th on the league table with 41 points, while Rangers sit in eighth with 47 points.

AFC Leopards, once hopeful of a top-four finish, now find themselves in seventh place, their chances diminished after successive setbacks, including a loss in the FKF Cup final. Mwalala sees an opportunity to exploit Leopards' current vulnerabilities.

Mwalala now wants to take advantage of that situation, and has revealed how his charges can make the most of the slump Leopards are going through, having also lost the FKF Cup final 1-0 just before the international break.

“They conceded goals which could be good for us. We know they are vulnerable defensively after their last defeat to Shabana. 

We kept a clean sheet against Posta,” Mwalala noted. “We will go out there with a pragmatic approach. Make sure we are resolute at the back to keep another clean sheet, but maximize on the chances we will create. If we take our chances, I am confident we will be in a good position to get a good result.”

KCB will face challenges of their own, with key players Derrick Otanga and Brian ‘Rio’ Ochieng potentially unavailable for their final match against Kenya Police due to suspensions.

 Mwalala's recent lineup changes, including playing January signing Collins Neto upfront and Maurice Ojwang at center back against Posta, were strategic moves to prepare his squad for the upcoming final.

“I may miss one or two key players for that final. Otanga won’t be there, as well as Rio (Brian Ochieng). I am playing more players in those positions in order to make them ready for the final, that is why you also saw me give Neto (Collins) minutes,” Mwalala explained.

As the season nears its conclusion, both KCB and AFC Leopards are grappling with inconsistent performances. However, Mwalala's tactical focus and adaptive squad management aim to steer KCB towards a strong finish and capitalize on Leopards' current defensive frailties.

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