KCB FC now turn their gaze to Kariobangi Sharks, hoping to rebound after a narrow 1-0 loss to Mathare United at the Kasarani Annexe on Sunday.
The defeat, sealed by Elli Asieche’s sublime free-kick before halftime, left KCB agonising over missed opportunities, yet coach Robert Matano remains unwavering in his focus.
"It was a tough match," Matano admitted, "the rain, the pitch, the intensity—everything made it a battle. But I am proud of how the boys responded after conceding. They never gave up."
KCB had early chances, with Jack Okello’s strike in the 24th minute narrowly missing the target. The second half saw heavy rain transform the pitch into a slippery arena. KCB’s efforts were met with heroics from goalkeeper Kevin Ouru, who pulled off a stunning one-handed save onto the post, keeping the Bankers in the fight.
Matano reflected on the missed opportunities: "We created chances, but football is about taking them. Okoth’s header could have changed the game. We must be sharper in the final third."
Despite the setback, Matano is determined to instil confidence and resilience in his squad. "Every defeat teaches us something. We have to move forward, learn quickly, and focus on the Sharks. They are a strong team, and we must be ready in every department—defence, attack, and mindset."
He added a motivational edge for his players: "I keep telling them, one loss does not define us. It’s how we respond that matters.
The team has heart; we will bounce back. "KCB will host Kariobangi Sharks at the Police Sacco Stadium on 30 September, seeking to turn lessons into results."
As Matano emphasised, "We respect every opponent, but we never fear them. This is our home, and we will fight for every point."
The Bankers’ story of near misses and resilience continues, and all eyes will be on Matano’s men to see if they can channel their frustration into victory in the coming clash.
