KCB head coach, Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, has revealed he is about to summon his charges to camp ahead of the new season set to start on September 10.
Otieno said the players could have reported much earlier but the club's management resolved to allow the political dust to settle down first following the August 9 General Elections.
According to the fixtures released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Transition Committee last week, the bankers will open their account against city rivals Kariobangi Sharks at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Otieno and his charges received widespread praise for their splendid run in the 20/2021 season, where they narrowly missed out on the title after finishing second behind Tusker.
However, a lackadaisical form in their last campaign saw them slump down to a seventh-place finish after bagging 49 points.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Otieno said they are determined to assert authority and crack a top-three finish in the new season.
"At the moment, we are not training and just monitoring the situation in the country, before deciding on the next course of action," he said.
Otieno said they have beefed up their squad with five new acquisitions from top-tier rivals after losing some of their key staff in the ongoing transfer window.
"We have already signed five new players, including goalkeeper Byrne Omondi (Posta Rangers), defender Haroun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars), midfielder Danson Chitambe (Bandari) and defender Maurice Ajuang' (Wazito) as well as striker Francis Kahiro (Talanta),” Otieno revealed.
"We still intend to add three to four more players before closing the window," he added.
The new signings are expected to step into the boots of the departing stars, including skipper and forward Simon Munala, defender Robison Kamura as well as both Reagan Otieno and Baraka Badi.
Both Otieno and Badi have already completed deals with law enforcers, Kenya Police. It is still unclear where the duo of Munala and Kamura are headed to.
While being unveiled at the Ruaraka Sports Club, an exuberant Mwale said the prospect of donning the bankers' jersey excites him.
“I am delighted to join KCB FC, one of my dream clubs in the KPL. This is a massive club and I can't wait to get started already. The technical bench and the players have warmly welcomed me to the club and I feel at home,” Mwale said.
He has vowed to announce his arrival in a special way when the season ultimately begins.
Former mailman Bryne Omondi also said he is gratified to link up with the club and reiterated his desire to cement his place in the starting line-up.
“I have always dreamt of playing for KCB and today, my dream has come true. I am so excited ahead of this challenge. I know there is stiff competition in the goalkeeping department, and I am here to work hard for the team to enhance its chances,” Omondi said.
