Exclusive: ‘Underrate KCB’s FKF Title Challenge at Your Own Risk’ - Warns Coach Odhiambo

KCB FC head coach Patrick Odhiambo believes that his current squad has what it takes to wrestle the FKF Premier League title from record champions Gor Mahia.

The Bankers have garnered 21 points after 10 matches and their latest result was a 1-1 draw against Kenya Police, a result that disappointed Odhiambo, a former Gor Mahia coach.

“I am not happy with today’s result but looking at the opponent, we knew we were facing a wounded opponent but our experience helped us get a point,” he told SportsBoom.co.za.

Over the years, many FKF Premier League sides have always had a good start to the season but laxity in the second leg has helped Gor Mahia dominate the league. 

KCB READY TO MAINTAIN TOP PERFORMANCES 

Last season, Posta Rangers led the proceedings for the better parts of the first leg, at one point, they were eleven points clear but they ended up in the mid-table allowing K’Ogalo to clinch their 20th title to the amusement of many.

Odhiambo believes that he has prepared a team that can withstand all the storm to become champions in May, 2025. 

KAHIRO IS A HARD TACKLER

Francis Kahiro, formerly of FC Talanta has been a revelation this season and has already banged in seven goals for KCB. Against Police FC, he tapped in from close range for the opener but was hauled off midway through the first half in what his coach Odhiambo described as a caution.

He said: ”We had to make that substitution because he (Kahiro) is a hard tackler and could have easily seen red in this match thereby ruling him out of our next fixtures which are equally crucial.”

KCB SERIOUS TITLE CONTENDERS

Odhiambo commonly known as Luwowo, believes that KCB’s title credentials even though these are early stages in the season, stems out from their consistent performances and their growing confidence.

KCB have displayed resilience and have steadily improved under his watch. Last season, the team under the tutelage of now Shabana assistant coach Bernard Mwalala lost to Kenya Police in the FKF Cup final and it seems this must have motivated them this season.

Odhiambo, who previously coached the now defunct Sony Sugar FC and Kakamega Homeboyz warned those who think that they are just garnering ‘survival points’ that they are wrong.

“People think that we are just playing here for fun, I want to assure you that the best is yet to come, we are going to maintain top performances in our future matches,” Odhiambo warned.

"The race is still open, and we’re not here just to be pacesetters," Odhiambo remarked. "We have the depth, determination, and experience to push Gor Mahia and ensure we take this to the wire."

Historically, many clubs have faltered in the second half of the season, allowing Gor Mahia to overtake them. However, Odhiambo is confident that KCB’s focus and mental toughness will see them through the challenges that lie ahead.

KCB's form has been one of the best in the league this season, with strong performances in both attack and defense. The squad’s ability to remain competitive in every match, even in tough away fixtures like the one against Police FC, has showcased their growing maturity.

Odhiambo emphasised the importance of staying on top of the table for as long as possible, and that the club's ultimate goal is to win the Premier League title.