Mwamba have set their sights on a top-six finish when the Kenya Cup kickoffs on Saturday.
Mwamba open their campaign away to Blak Blad on Saturday. Coach Peter Kepha believes they have what it takes to qualify for the season-ending playoffs now that the format has been altered.
Mwamba have bolstered their squad by signing backs Ishmael Mokaya and Xavier Kipngetich from Impala, Brian Mutugi and Brian Ayimba from Homeboyz, John Oduk from Strathmore, flanker Brian Kitiva from Quins, loosehead prop Akwiri Oguna from USIU and Moses Keragori from Dagoretti High school.
Last season the top four teams qualified for the playoffs but a new format has been effected where the teams placed third to sixth will battle for semifinal slots against the top two sides.
"We stand a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs based on the quality of players we have and the determination and hunger they showed in pre-season," said Kepha.
Mwamba, nicknamed Kulabu skipped the Impala Floodlight but had two friendly matches. They beat Quins but lost to Strathmore in matches played in four 20-minute quarters.
"We saw where we needed to improve as a team and I believe we have, for the last six weeks, sharpened ourselves in readiness for the start of the season,” said Kepha.
He said they will adopt a territorial game as well as improvement on their exit plays.
"We struggled with leaving our 22 last but we have now ironed those shortcomings," added Kepha
Kepha said they have also worked on their kicking game, which hurt them last season.
"Our kicking from the tee was very average last season. We were unable to convert penalties but we are looking for an improvement in the new season," he said.
Meanwhile, Kepha has hailed winger Joel Inzuga, who played for the Simbas in the Victoria and Elgon Cups, as well as Mutugi, who was called up to the Shujaa for the Safari Sevens and Dubai Invitational tournaments.
“I am happy with the form they showed for the country. It gives us hope heading to the new season," observed Kepha.
Mwamba finished eight last season with 19 points from four wins and seven losses.
After Blak Blad, Mwamba will take on Menengai Oilers and Quins in their subsequent matches.
