KCB Rugby Club captain Winston Macharia believes their triumph in the 2026 Impala Floodlit tournament has given the squad a timely morale boost as they turn their attention to the forthcoming Kenya Cup season.
The bankers ended a two-year wait for the prestigious title in emphatic fashion, thrashing Kenya Harlequins 47-7 in Saturday's final at Impala Club to secure a record-extending 11th Floodlit crown.
Macharia believes the win was a testament to the team's unity, hard work and determination to bring the trophy back to the club, adding that the triumph had given the players renewed belief ahead of the new campaign. "We wanted this title, and everyone in the squad understood what it meant to the club and our supporters."
"The boys put in the work throughout the tournament, and today we showed what we are capable of when we play for one another."
"Winning by this margin against a quality side like Quins is a great feeling, and we are grateful for the support we have received," Macharia said.
KCB underlined their intentions from the opening whistle, taking the game to Quins with an aggressive attacking display that quickly put them in command.
Branton Lusisa got the bankers off the mark with the opening try, which Brian Wahinya converted for a 7-0 lead before Sheldon Kahi crossed the whitewash moments later. Wahinya again made no mistake with the conversion as KCB stretched their advantage to 14-0.
Harlequin responded with a converted try to cut the deficit to 14-7 and briefly threatened a shift in momentum, but KCB reasserted their dominance.
Charles Osgood powered over for another try, with Wahinya adding the extras to restore the bankers' two-score cushion at 21-7.
Randy Wamah then produced a brilliant finish to stretch the lead, and Wahinya's conversion sent KCB into the break with a commanding 28-7 advantage. The second half proved no different as the bankers maintained their intensity, keeping Quins on the back foot while continuing to find gaps in their defensive line.
The bankers then added two more tries, with Osumba converting the final effort to complete a comprehensive 47-7 victory and put an emphatic stamp on their return to the top of the Floodlit standings.
KCB head coach Andrew Amonde hailed the squad's collective effort, describing the triumph as the team's reward for the hard work, commitment and belief throughout the tournament. "This victory is a reflection of the hard work, commitment and belief within this squad."
Amonde said the bankers entered the match with a clear objective of winning the trophy. "We came into the tournament with a clear objective, and the players have delivered by staying focused on our game plan and executing when it mattered most."
"Winning the Floodlit title for the 11th time is a proud moment for the club, and I commend the entire team for the character they have shown. We will celebrate this achievement, but our focus now shifts to the next challenge," Amonde said.
