FKFPL: Season Preview: KCB put faith in Mwalala to finally land the elusive 'holy grail'

Fans see new signings and coach Mwalala as the formula for Premier League success.

KCB FC's pre-season has been characterised by a mixture of silent buildup and noteworthy encounters. One notable fixture saw them face off against Shabana, resulting in a tightly contested one-all draw. 

However, it was their encounter with Five Star Dagoretti that garnered public attention, as KCB emerged victorious with an impressive 6-1 scoreline in their favor. This resounding win likely boosted the team's morale and showcased their attacking prowess.

In the lead-up to the new season, KCB made a significant decision to part ways with Zedekiah Zico Otieno, marking the end of his four-year tenure at the club. 

Zico's appointment back in 2019 had raised hopes of challenging the dominant sides in the top tier of football and came close to lifting the title back in 2021.

Despite his efforts, KCB sometimes struggled to consistently outperform the established powerhouses of the league under his management.

The squad

Among the fresh faces, goalkeeper Brian Olang’o, who hails from Mathare United, brings his skills and expertise to fortify the team's defensive line. 

Accompanying him is winger Stephen Etyang, who arrives from his previous stint at Ulinzi Stars. 

A familiar name making a return to the squad is striker Derrick Otanga. After a year's absence, he rejoins the squad, having previously left for a short spell with Kenya Police, following an unsuccessful period with Libya's Al-Ittihad Misurata. 

Otanga's experience and prowess as a striker are anticipated to enhance the team's attacking prowess, offering valuable goal-scoring options up front.

Otanga's journey in the Kenyan top-flight has been marked by transitions across various clubs. Beginning his career with the now-defunct Sony Sugar FC in 2017, he subsequently moved to Wazito FC in 2019. After a year at Wazito, he made a switch to KCB in 2020 before his eventual return to the current team.

Last season, the team boasted a squad comprising 30 players and it is expected that a similar number of players will make up this season's roster, providing the coaching staff with ample options and strategies to choose from. 

Players to watch

The upcoming season promises to be an exhilarating one, with three standout players poised to take the spotlight at the den.

 Midfield maestro Brian 'Rio' Ochieng, wing sensation Musa Masika, and versatile attacker Harrison Mwendwa, all of whom made their mark in the previous campaign with KCB, are undoubtedly ones to watch.

Rio, a dynamic presence in the midfield, possesses the vision and finesse to control the game's tempo. His precise passing and ability to break through opposition lines make him a potent playmaker. 

His knack for threading the needle and his astute decision-making elevate his teammates' performances, turning him into a linchpin of the squad.

Winger Musa Masika is set to dazzle with his all-around prowess. A unique attribute is his ambidextrous skill, allowing him to create scoring opportunities from various angles. 

Masika's intuitive understanding of the game ensures that he not only capitalises on chances but also orchestrates them for others. His capacity to read the ebb and flow of matches positions him as a strategic asset on the field.

Completing the trio is attacker Harrison Mwendwa, whose versatility and flair add a new dimension to the team's offensive strategies.

Equally comfortable as a winger or central attacker, Mwendwa's unpredictability keeps defenders on edge.

His dribbling finesse and knack for finding open spaces create a constant threat, while his lethal finishing touch amplifies his importance in crucial moments.

With Rio's midfield mastery, Masika's two-footed brilliance, and Mwendwa's attacking versatility, the trio's collective prowess is set to ignite the pitch in the forthcoming season. 

Their synergy and individual brilliance are bound to create moments that leave fans and opponents alike in awe, propelling their team to new heights of success.

Head coach

With the recent appointment of Bernard Mwalala as the new head coach there is an air of anticipation surrounding the team's prospects in the upcoming season.

Mwalala's arrival at the helm has injected renewed optimism and a sense of purpose into the club, as they gear up to challenge for both local supremacy and regional recognition.

His impressive track record as both a player and a coach spanning seven years adds weight to the team's aspirations. 

Having previously led notable football clubs like Nzoia Sugar, Bandari, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Ulinzi Stars, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to navigate the intricacies of football management.

His ability to instill discipline, tactical acumen, and a winning mentality in his players has yielded remarkable outcomes in the past.

Under his guidance, teams have not only showcased their prowess on the domestic stage but have also made significant strides in regional competitions. 

Accompanying Mwalala on the technical bench are individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence. The likes of Elvis Ayany, Eric Muranda, and Samuel Okoth bring a blend of expertise, knowledge, and specialised skills that complement Mwalala's coaching philosophy.

As the team sets its sights on both local league triumph and regional silverware, the collective belief is that Mwalala's leadership can usher in an era of success for KCB.

The Patron of the club, Azu Ogola, expresses confidence in Mwalala's ability to lead the team to victory, underscoring their determination to secure both domestic and regional accolades.

First five fixtures

Bernard Mwalala coached side is gearing up for an exhilarating start to their league campaign with a series of challenging fixtures that promise to set the tone for their season. 

Commencing on Saturday 26 August, they kick off their journey against Kakamega Homeboyz in a compelling away clash at Bukhungu. However, this showdown could potentially be rescheduled due to the host's commitments in the CAF Confederation Cup adding an element of uncertainty to the encounter.

Following this, their mettle will be tested as they go head-to-head with AFC Leopards on September 13th. 

A mere four days later, they lock horns with Kariobangi Sharks in what is anticipated to be a riveting clash, showcasing their ability to maintain consistency in a tightly packed schedule.

The excitement does not wane as KCB returns home to confront Bandari, displaying their prowess on familiar turf. 

But the pinnacle of their initial fixtures arrives in the form of a clash with Gor Mahia, a team that stands as one of the league's giants. 

These opening five matches present a formidable challenge, yet also a golden opportunity to amass a significant 15 points.

With the potential to secure a flawless run, Mwalala finds themselves in an advantageous position, harnessing the momentum and morale of early successes. 

While their primary home ground, Kasarani Annex, has historically proven favorable, the team also has the alternatives of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums for high-profile encounters. 

Expected finish 

Under the guidance of Mwalala, the upcoming season holds both promise and challenges for the Bankers. 

As they set their sights on the title challenge, it is evident that the path to success will not be an easy one. However, even if the championship proves elusive, the team is determined to secure a well-deserved podium finish. 

Opponents are acutely aware that KCB has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, and their matches will be watched closely by fans and rivals alike.

Reflecting on the previous season, the Banker's journey was one of mixed fortunes. While they showcased their potential by finishing fifth in the league, it's impossible to overlook the mid-season slump that saw their championship dreams fade. 

Amidst high expectations, they stumbled with losses and drawn matches, conceding goals in games they should have dominated. These missed opportunities ultimately left them trailing the table leaders by a frustrating six-point margin.

As the new season approaches, KCB and their coach Mwalala have undoubtedly learned crucial lessons from their past experiences.

The new gaffer's strategic acumen and leadership will play a pivotal role in steering the team towards their aspirations of their maiden league title.