News Focus
- Robert Matano targets first silverware in KCB Football Club history
- A 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Nairobi United secured a semifinal berth
- The bankers will face Matano’s former club Tusker FC on May 16-17
- Cup success guarantees qualification for the Confederation Cup
Veteran tactician Robert Matano stands on the verge of another career milestone. The head coach of KCB Football Club is determined to deliver the bankers their maiden trophy through this season’s FKF Cup campaign.
The 56-year-old arrived at the club from Tanzania’s Fountain Gate at the start of the current term. He has since transformed the side into genuine contenders for major honours. A solitary strike from Richard Omondi proved enough to defeat holders Nairobi United 1-0 in the quarterfinals last Sunday. This result set up a last-four clash with Matano’s former employers, Tusker FC, scheduled for the middle of May.
“Our only focus was winning and advancing,” Matano stated following the narrow victory. “Nairobi United are a very technical unit. I am pleased we managed to contain their threats. We wanted to score while keeping a clean sheet. We also needed to avenge our earlier league defeat against them.”
Matano holds the distinction of being Kenya’s most successful coach. He famously guided Sofapaka to the Premier League title during their debut top-flight season in 2009. With Tusker, he collected three league crowns and a Top Eight trophy. His cabinet also includes domestic cup victories with AFC Leopards and Nairobi City Stars.
The bankers recruited Matano after parting ways with Patrick Odhiambo at the beginning of last year. That decision now looks inspired, with the club just 180 minutes away from continental football. Triumph in the final would secure a historic place in the Confederation Cup.
Before the semifinal meeting with the brewers, KCB must concentrate on league matters. They face APS Bomet on Wednesday afternoon. Matano insists his squad will fight for positive results on both fronts.
“We are concentrating on reaching the final and winning the cup,” he said. “At the same time, we want to finish the league campaign strongly.”