KCB banks on veteran ‘Zico’ and quality signings to prove mettle
Newly-hired Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is confident his charges will fire in all cylinders in the 2019/2020 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) which kicks off on August 30.
Otieno hinted that he has been given certain targets by the team’s management and which are not easy hence the idea of burning the midnight oil to make it shine in the top-tier league.“I can tell you for sure that the targets are not easy but I think I’m equal to the task and all what I want is co-operation particularly from the fans to realise this dream,” said Otieno after being officially unveiled as KCB coach yesterday.
The immediate former Gor Mahia deputy said among the bench marks he has to attain is to steer the team to a top-three finish in the top-tier league.
“I have won titles with Gor but I won’t promise I will do the same although it is possible. KCB is a different team with different policies but I believe I can attain something worth shouting home about with the team,” said Otieno.
He added: “The players know what they are supposed to but above all, I’m glad I have been given the onus in the technical bench to make decisions and it is up to the players to grasp my philosophy moving forward.”
As a stop-gap measure towards achieving the desired results, Otieno has blended the team with youth and experience. Otieno recommended the signing of experienced players such as Harambee Stars utility player Dennis Odhiambo and Stephen Waruru, who were plucked from Sofapaka, Enock Agwanda formerly of Sony Sugar and youthful Allan Owino from Mathare United.
The team’s President Paul Russo said there had been a deliberate policy in their set-up to give priority to local coaches, hence the idea of bringing on board Otieno who boasts a wealth of experience, adding that he will receive all the support in his quest to bring in positive results.
“As KCB we will stick with local coaches as one way of empowering them in their careers. I must also take this opportunity to say that the fact that Otieno is also the deputy national team coach is a manifestation that he is the right man for the KCB coaching job,” said Russo.
While Otieno was named the Head Coach, Godfrey Oduor, formerly of Nzoia Sugar, will serve as his deputy.
