Newly appointed KCB head coach Robert Matano has vowed to assemble a team good enough to fight for the Kenyan Premier League title.
Famously nicknamed “The Lion” for his no-nonsense approach, Matano was officially unveiled by the Nairobi-based bankers on Sunday.
He brings a potent combination of ambition and experience. His appointment is a seismic shift, a roar shattering the silence of KCB’s recent mediocrity.
For years, this financially stable club has languished, a sleeping giant stifled by inconsistent performance.
The Lion’s roar resonates with KCB’s supporters, long starved for success. His arrival signifies hope, a chance to reclaim their rightful place at the top.
“It’s a good experience so far. I’m happy because all the players are cooperating and they are trying to learn. By the time we’ll be going for a break, I will have observed the players’ conduct and work rate. I shall then decide which one to continue working with,” Matano said.
He arrives at KCB buoyed by a coaching career that boasts impressive credentials and an incredible wealth of experience.
His resume speaks volumes. He steered Sofapaka to a maiden Kenyan Premier League title in 2009 and achieved similar feats with Tusker in the 2012, 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
His focus on player attitude and work ethic underscores his belief in the power of collective effort.
Matano said he is not just a coach; he’s a mentor, a leader forging a team united by purpose.
“I can see the attitude is coming up so well. It’s quite important to a coach; if the players are listening and doing the things you want them to do, it gives you courage and confidence,” he said.
His appointment comes at a time when KCB is in desperate need of direction. The team has struggled in recent matches, going winless in their last five league games, which ultimately led to the exit of the previous coaching staff.
Matano emphasised communication, fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue.
This isn’t about autocratic control; it’s about collaborative leadership, empowering players to excel and giving them the confidence to express themselves on the field.
“This degree of openness is vital for fostering unity and trust among the team, both of which will be critical as they get ready for the demands of the forthcoming campaign,” he observed.
“I think the players have understood me. When I came, we met, sat together and talked about how we are going to work; what I like, what I don’t like, what they should expect from me and what I should expect from them and what the management of KCB wants from all of us.”
His reputation for transforming underdog teams into championship contenders is well-earned.
As he embarks on this new journey with KCB, Matano is not just focused on wins; he’s building a legacy, a team that embodies the KCB brand – strong, ambitious, and determined.
His previous coaching stints have demonstrated his ability to harness the raw talent of players and mould them into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
The challenge is immense, but Matano’s track record, coupled with his unwavering determination, suggests that KCB’s sleeping giant is finally awakening. The league should brace itself; the Lion is hunting.
