Mwalala named new KCB coach ahead of new season

President KCB FC Azu Ogola (left) and the new Coach Bernard Mwalala after his unveiling as the club Head coach and his technical bench ahead of the 2023/24 FKF Premier League season at KCB head office. July 14, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Bernard Mwalala has been appointed as the new KCB Football Club head coach as the bankers strengthened technical bench ahead of the 2023/24 FKF Premier League season.

The former Ulinzi Stars's coach has joined the bankers after Zedekiah 'Zico's' Otieno's contract expired.

Mwalala brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record both as a player and as a coach spanning seven years locally and in regional football assignments.

Some of the notable clubs he has steered are Nzoia Sugar Football Club, Bandari FC, Homeboyz FC and lately Ulinzi.

Mwalala said: "This new appointment is a good challenge in my career as an opportunity to implement KCB's Goals and Visions and all shall be good."

He will be assisted by Elvis Ayany as the Assistant head coach, Eric Muranda as the fitness trainer and Samuel Okoth assumes the role of goalkeeper trainer.

"My first goal is to restore team's capabilities to be able to represent the country by winning the FKF Premier League title and continental trophies with the club as KCB's marketing tool," Mwalala said.

Collins Kyama and Michael Oyando will continue with their roles as the team's physiotherapist and team manager.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony yesterday, KCB FC Patron Azu Ogola said: "We are confident that through Mwalala, we shall usher in a new era of success for the club with our eyes keen on winning the local league and regional trophies.

"His vast experience will come in handy in delivering a positive impact on the team's performance in the various competitions lined up.

"I am excited by the opportunity, and I am fully committed to building a strong and competitive team that will deliver positive results on the field. I have a plan, we are going for title next season and beyond," Ogola said.

KCB Bank's footprint in sports support across the country is expansive and cuts across various fields.

KCB Head of Integrated Marketing Nkatha Mutungi said: "We are looking to further bolster our sports teams across the disciplines to give them a better chance in the game in the ongoing local competitions."

The long-standing tradition of sponsoring major sporting events in the country has seen KCB pump over Sh3 billion in sports sponsorships over the past 10 years.