Kayole-based BB Bread writes fairytale after humbling Gor, Leopards

Gor Mahia's Ben Stanley Omondi (left) battles with Joseph Otindi of BB Bread during their Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32 encounter at Nyayo Stadium/HANDOUT 

Head coach Ajastine Okoba has dismissed suggestions that BB Bread FC fluked their way past Kenyan giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia in the Mozzart Bet Cup, insisting the victories were the product of careful planning, discipline and unwavering belief.

The Kayole-based side, which plies its trade in the FKF Nairobi Regional League, has stunned the Kenyan football fraternity with back-to-back giant-killing acts at Nyayo National Stadium, eliminating two of the country’s most decorated clubs dramatically.

BB Bread first sent shockwaves through the competition when they knocked out AFC Leopards in the Round of 64. The underdogs held Ingwe to a pulsating 2–2 draw in regulation time before holding their nerve to win 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout, a result that immediately turned the spotlight on the little-known club from Kayole.

But if the victory over Leopards raised eyebrows, their next result truly captured the imagination of Kenyan football fans. Days later, BB Bread returned to the same venue and edged record champions Gor Mahia 1–0 to secure a historic place in the Round of 16. For Okoba, however, the results did not come as a surprise.

“We prepared, we believed, and we executed. Every result has been earned,” he said. The soft-spoken tactician explained that his players approached both matches with a clear tactical blueprint and the confidence that they could compete with the country’s elite clubs. “First, I thank God because without Him none of this would be possible,” Okoba said.

“Then I must thank BB Bread management for motivating the players and creating an environment where they can thrive. The boys worked every day, we analysed our opponents, we trained hard, and we prepared well.” Okoba noted that facing established teams such as Gor Mahia required patience and discipline, especially given the difference in experience between the two sides.

“We knew we were playing against a big team with quality players, so we had to be very organised,” he explained. “Our focus was on defensive structure first. We allowed them to press and waited for the right moment to attack.”

That patience paid off in the second half when Gor Mahia pushed numbers forward in search of a breakthrough, leaving spaces behind that BB Bread exploited to score the decisive goal.

“When they pushed forward, we saw openings and took advantage. If we had utilised all the chances we created, we could have even scored two or three goals,” Okoba added.

Beyond tactics, the coach credited teamwork and unity within the squad for the remarkable run. “The players, the technical bench and everyone involved have been working tirelessly every day. We analysed our opponents carefully, and the boys executed the plan perfectly on the pitch,” he said.

One of the standout performers during the cup run has been goalkeeper Ezekiel Owande, whose commanding presence between the posts has kept the team organised under pressure.

Owande, who previously featured for AFC Leopards, has brought invaluable experience to the squad, marshalling his defence and making crucial saves during tense moments in both matches.

In front of him, defenders David Oduor, Joseph Tindo and Robert Yugi have formed a disciplined backline that has frustrated some of the country’s most potent attackers. Fullbacks Oliver Iryamukuru and Reagan Chavulimu have also played key roles by closing down spaces on the flanks and supporting attacks when opportunities arise.

In midfield, the energetic duo of Dominic Waithaka and Maqbul Ochola has provided the engine room for the team, breaking up opposition play and quickly transitioning the ball from defence to attack.

Further forward, attackers Denis Mbevi and Charles Munala have stretched opposition defences with their pace and movement, while Samuel Oluogo and Dennis Muthini have provided creativity and attacking spark.

Okoba emphasised that while the victories have brought national attention to the club, the team remains focused on maintaining its momentum. “Respect must always be given to big teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. They are strong clubs with great history,” he said.

“But football is played on the pitch. If you prepare well and believe in yourself, anything can happen.” The Mozzart Bet Cup has historically produced memorable David-versus-Goliath stories, but BB Bread’s back-to-back victories over two of Kenya’s most successful clubs have given this year’s competition a fresh narrative. For the Kayole outfit, the journey is far from over. “Every game is a new challenge,” Okoba said.

“We take one match at a time, analyse our opponents and try to perform at our best. Today we celebrate, tomorrow we go back to work.”

As the tournament moves into the Round of 16, many fans are now eager to see whether BB Bread can continue their dream run or if the fairytale will finally meet its end. Regardless of what happens next, the team from Kayole has already written a remarkable chapter in Kenyan football — proving that with belief, preparation and unity, even the smallest clubs can bring giants to their knees.