KCB players during a training session/HANDOUTKCB coach Robert Matano is targeting a stronger title challenge after the bankers made sweeping changes to their playing squad and technical bench ahead of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.
KCB have brought in 15 new players and released 10 following a seventh-place finish last season, with Matano hoping the overhaul will provide the quality and depth needed to compete for major honours.
“We have brought in players because we want to compete. The objective is not simply to participate in the league but to build a team that can fight for trophies,” Matano said.
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Among the new arrivals is former Gor Mahia and Kenya U20 defender Joshua Onyango, who returns to the Kenyan top flight after a spell in Botswana.
Others are Franck Nduwimana, Isma Kawawulo, Allan Gerald Egaku, Jim Owili, Brian Ouru, Paul Kinyanjui, Joseph Onditi, Mark Oduor, Batshi Assis, Fidel Otieno, Geoffrey Ojunga, Ernest Muhammed, Evans Ochieng Malo and Alfred Ratolo.
The club has meanwhile parted ways with Kelvin Etemesi, Nashon Alembi, Mathew Rodgers Angal, Boniface Omondi, December Kisakah, Francis Kahiro, Fadhili Masoud, Clyde Senaji, CE Face Tedja Wanumbi and Yafeesi Mubiru.
The changes have also extended to the technical bench, with Peter Okidi, formerly head coach at Shabana, appointed assistant coach with former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch joining as goalkeeping coach.
Matano believes the overhaul was necessary after last season’s disappointing campaign and wants the new-look team to adopt a stronger mentality.
“We need players who can take the team to another level. We cannot continue with the same things and expect different results,” he said.
The experienced coach has also challenged his players to show greater hunger, discipline and consistency if they are to challenge for silverware.
“We have to change the mentality. Talent alone is not enough. Players must have the hunger, discipline and desire to win,” Matano said.
KCB have used their pre-season programme to integrate the new arrivals, with training taking place at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen.
They recently beat Kibera Soccer FC 2-0 in a friendly, although Matano insists pre-season results are less important than building cohesion and correcting weaknesses.
“Pre-season is about building the team, understanding the players and correcting mistakes. What matters is how we perform when the league starts,” he said.
The start of the new campaign has been delayed after Football Kenya Federation postponed the opening round amid a dispute over promotion and relegation regulations and the management of the league.
KCB’s opening fixture against Nairobi United was among those postponed. Matano, however, wants the uncertainty to have no impact on his preparations as the new-look squad continues to train.
“We cannot control what is happening outside the pitch. Our job is to train, stay fit and be ready when we are told to play,” he said.
“We want to challenge for the league and the cups. That is why we are rebuilding. The players must understand the responsibility that comes with playing for KCB."
