KCB head coach Patrick Odhiambo has sounded a rallying call to his charges ahead of their clash against relegation-threatened FC Talanta, urging them to secure maximum points to keep their top-four ambitions alive.
The bankers currently sit sixth on the log with 41 points, just one behind Kakamega Homeboyz in fifth and five adrift of fourth-placed Shabana.
With only six matches left before the 2024/25 campaign draws to a close, Odhiambo knows time is running out to crack the upper tier.
"We are ready, and we have been working on our mental toughness. I think the boys are in the right mood so far," Odhiambo said.
Talanta, on the other hand, find themselves perilously close to the drop zone, sitting 15th on 29 points and only five clear of bottom placed Nairobi City Stars.
Having been bundled out of the FKF Cup by second-tier Nairobi United, KCB’s only remaining ambition is a top-four finish—something that would mark a solid debut season for Odhiambo at the helm.
“Every remaining match in the Premier League is like a final for us. We must treat it as such. Therefore, the boys have to step up in every department to ensure that we are playing as a unit.
"Our goal is to finish in the top four; that is where this team belongs. I am confident we will go to Dandora and come back home with three vital points,” Odhiambo said. But Odhiambo is not taking Talanta lightly.
He warned of the unpredictable nature of the strugglers, who can upset big sides on their day. "It's going to be a hard match because Talanta are fighting relegation."
"They are not consistent in their results, sometimes they win, sometimes they draw and lose. If you look keenly, they win against bigger teams," he said.
The tactician referenced Talanta’s recent 4-0 drubbing by Ulinzi Stars, suggesting it will spark a reaction.
"I know they are rejuvenated to make a strong comeback from last week's loss against Ulinzi, so they will come all out to take the three points," he noted.
KCB are in desperate need of a turnaround themselves, having gone four matches without a win.
Their last outing ended in a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to league leaders Kenya Police despite taking an early lead through Patrick Otieno.
An unfortunate own goal levelled the score before David Simiyu sealed the comeback for the law enforcers midway through the second half.
Reflecting on the clash, Odhiambo highlighted their loss in concentration, which has caused their recent poor run.
"The previous match was a disappointing outing. We started the game very well and by minute 20, we were leading 1-0, but all of a sudden we lost concentration, which has been a recurring issue," Odhiambo said.
Despite the setback, the coach took heart from individual performances, singling out defender Haniff Wesonga for praise.
“I saw a lot of positives, especially in defence. Haniff brought stability at the back and was excellent going forward as well. That’s the kind of leadership we need in the final stretch.”
KCB will draw confidence from their previous meeting with Talanta earlier in the season, when they edged them 2-1, thanks to goals from Francis Kahiro and Maurice Owino.
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