Barely three weeks after losing the FKF cup finals to Police FC at Ulinzi complex, KCB have appointed Patrick Odhiambo as the new head coach.
Odhiambo, who ditched Kakamega Homeboyz for the Bankers, replaces Bernard Mwalala on a one-year contract and will be in charge at the Lion’s Den until July 16, 2025.
The bankers parted ways with Mwalala after he elected to take a break to peruse his Caf A coaching license, a requirement by FKF’s new regulations for all KPL head coaches.
“Mwalala did a good job at KCB and we thank him for his time at Ruaraka. He led us to the finals of the FKF Cup for the first time of asking and we only fell narrowly (8-7) to Police FC on penalties after playing to a 0-0 draw,” said KCB in a statement.
KCB FC had several options but settled for Odhiambo who has over 10 years top flight experience. They also feel his credentials meet their expectations and his style of play is unique.
According to the club, having acquired the services of an experienced CAF 'A' coach, the Kenya Premier League or FKF Cup would be a realistic target for the 2024/2025 season.
Odhiambo won the KPL title as an assistant to Steven Pollack at Gor Mahia in 2019/2020. He later led Kakamega Homeboyz to the FKF Cup and Confederations Cup as head coach in 2023.
The experienced gaffer also had stints with Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Youth and Chemilil Sugar before crossing borders to the Tanzania Premier League, where he led Prisons FC and Biashara United.
KCB captain Brian “Rio” Ochieng says they enjoyed playing under Mwalala last season and finishing second in the FKF Cup finals was a great achievement.
“We played well under Mwalala and we will miss him. However, life is a journey and we have to wish him well, as we continue with our new management,” said Rio, who missed the final through suspension.
Though the club hasn’t officially disclosed their full backroom staff, they will be seeking to beef up their squad after the departure of veteran goalkeeper Gabriel Andika among other players.
