KCB search maiden FKF Cup trophy

KCB's Herit Mungai in action during the past match.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB FC is gearing up for a crunch clash against Police FC in the FKF Cup final this weekend, which will be played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The bankers, under Bernard Mwalala's tutelage, are upbeat about the victory, which will not only give them their first-ever major trophy but also give the team an opportunity to participate in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

On the road to the finals, KCB FC trounced outgoing champions Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in the cup quarterfinals before eliminating Kariobangi Sharks 4-2 in penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regular time in the semis.

“KCB FC has made significant strides in the recent seasons. Qualifying for this Cup’s final is massive for the club eyeing its first-ever trophy. I call upon the team to remain focused and to be wary of the Police’s threat ahead of the weekend fixture. Our aim is to win the match to get an opportunity to participate in continental football next season,” said KCB FC Goalkeeper Coach Samuel Okoth “Koko”.

KCB will miss their assistant captain Brian “Rio” Ochieng and forward Derrick Otanga, who are suspended after picking yellow cards in the quarterfinal and semifinal clashes.

“Otanga and Rio really stepped out during the past matches, but now it is another duty for other players to step in, and I believe we have worked well with all the players; we understand what we need, and they know how important this match is and I know they are going to step up.”Koko added.

Goalkeeper Farook Shikhalo is expected to start, replacing Gabrial Andika, who has featured prominently in the last matches of the season for the Bankers. Center Back Haniff Wesonga, who pulled out of the national U23 team that is in South Africa for the COSAFA tournament, is also expected to lead the defence against the law enforcers.

Others expected to feature are Henry Onyango, Herit Mungai, Philemon Nyamwaka, Derrick Otieno and Stephen Etyang.