Sportpesa Premier League 'defender of the year' Jimmy Owili in KCB colours/HANDOUT Jimmy Owili’s rise through Kenyan football has been remarkable. Two years ago, the left-back was battling for recognition in the lower leagues.
Today, he is the reigning FKF Premier League Defender of the Season and KCB FC’s newest signing. Owili completed his move to the bankers after an outstanding debut top-flight campaign with Mara Sugar FC, a season that attracted interest from several FKF Premier League clubs.
The defender admitted that joining KCB fulfils a long-held ambition. “KCB has been on my mind for a long time. I just hadn’t gotten the opportunity before, but now I’m happy that the chance has finally come. I’ll continue working hard because I’ve joined a new environment, so I have to give my all and help take the team to greater heights,” said Owili.
Despite winning the 2025/26 Defender of the Season award, Owili insists his journey is only beginning. “I still look back at where I started, and it feels like a dream because nobody knew my name two years ago,” he said.
Before breaking into the FKF Premier League, Owili honed his game in the National Super League with Silibwet Leons FC and Mombasa Elite FC before earning a move to Samwest Black Boots FC.
“The lower divisions are a battleground where you either build character or give up entirely,” he said.
His performances eventually earned him a move to Mara Sugar ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. “When Mara Sugar gave me the chance to play top-flight football, I knew I had to grab it with both hands,” he recalled.
Owili did exactly that, becoming one of the league’s standout performers. He made 34 appearances, scored three goals, provided nine assists and helped Mara Sugar keep 14 clean sheets.
His impressive displays earned him both the Defender of the Season and Fans’ Breakthrough Talent awards. “Winning the Defender of the Season award was a massive honour, but it only sets the bar higher for my next chapter,” he said.
His form sparked interest from AFC Leopards and Tusker, but KCB won the race for his signature. “Choosing KCB over other great clubs was a sporting decision based entirely on where I saw room to grow,” Owili explained.
Now preparing for the 2026/27 season under coach Patrick Odhiambo, Owili is focused on repaying the club’s faith. “My immediate focus is to repay the faith KCB has shown in me by delivering consistent performances on the pitch,” he said.
For the defender who once fought for recognition on dusty lower-league grounds, joining KCB marks another milestone in a career built on perseverance, with the promise of even greater achievements still ahead.
