Africa-Press – Kenya. head coach Robert Matano will place his faith in midfielder Richard Omondi and forward Kelvin Etemesi as the bankers look to breeze past Shabana on Monday.
Matano’s confidence comes on the back of KCB’s ruthless showing on Tuesday against league debutants APS Bomet, where they won 4-2. Etemesi devastatingly rediscovered his scoring touch, firing a hat-trick, while Omondi capped the performance with the fourth goal.
Philip Wasai struck twice for Bomet, but his brace proved little more than consolation. Before the Bomet clash, the bankers had gone unbeaten in their previous six league outings. Their last setback dates back to November 2, when they fell 2-1 to Murang’a Seal.
That response included back-to-back draws against Bandari (1-1) and Bidco United (0-0), a hard-earned 1-0 win over Mara Sugar, and another share of the spoils against Kakamega Homeboyz (1-1).
The bankers then shifted through the gears, securing successive victories against Sofapaka (1-0) and Ulinzi Stars (2-1) before putting APS Bomet to the sword.
As things stand, KCB’s 2025/26 SportPesa League campaign has yielded 21 points from 13 league outings. Matano was full of praise for Omondi, whom he believes will be a crucial asset for the team in the coming fixtures.
“Richard Omondi is a one-of-a-kind player. He came from Division Two and has not played in the Premier League or the NSL,” Matano said.
“In every game we have him, he gets a goal. He is a good player, and I think he will help us a lot as he grows.
“He has netted thrice for the bankers with strikes against Kariobangi Sharks and Sofapaka adding to his tally. Matano also highlighted Etemesi’s rediscovered scoring rhythm after a difficult spell.
“Etemesi has been down for a while, but I told him that would be the last match I am giving him to prove himself,” Matano revealed.
“I told him if he cannot wake up, then he does not have a chance on the team. I want someone consistent in performing.
““Omondi and Etemesi understand each other because they have played together in their home teams,” Matano added.
He observed that despite the scoreline, Bomet were far from pushovers. “We knew the match would be hard because Bomet play direct and they are very tough.
They push hard to win every ball,” he said. “Our second half was very strong in terms of transition and build-up. We also played very calmly and with purpose.
At half-time, we planned on how to lock the spaces so Bomet could not operate,” he added. Meanwhile, the Glamour Boys have 20 points, and Matano has his work cut out in his redemption mission after falling twice to Monday’s opponents last season.
In the first-leg meeting, KCB fell 2-0 to goals from Brian Michira and Austine Odongo, before Keith Imbali completed the double with a lone strike in the reverse fixture.
