We will cut top teams to size – KCB coach
KCB head coach Abdalla Juma has vowed to claim the scalps of more top Kenyan Premier League sides.
KCB held AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw at Nyayo National Stadium, just two days after the latter arrived from Ethiopia where they beat Defence 4-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup.
Juma (pictured) said KCB would challenge for the league title, and that he believed the team had what it takes to go all the way.
“It is all about strategy and using your strengths. I knew we were better than Leopards in fitness because we had played more friendlies in the pre-season. My boys did well to secure a point against Leopards,” said Juma.
The 2013 Coach of The Year felt midfielder Hedmond Maunda deserved the man of the match award. Juma said he followed instructions and terrorised Ingwe.
“We shall take each game as it comes, but beating the so called top guns is not a problem, because we are ready for them. We are not satisfied with the fourth place finish of last season and we want to achieve better results this year. At worst, we shall be satisfied with a top three position,” added Juma.
The bankers surprised many teams last season when they displaced high-flying sides such as Tusker and Thika United.
KCB also had the most winners during the league gala night, where former player Jacob Keli bagged the Golden Boot and Player of The Year awards, while Brian Osumba, who has since moved to Tusker, was voted the best midfielder.
In spite of losing Keli to AFC Leopards and Osumba and Clifford Alwanga to Tusker, Abdalla believes he has players who fit the part.
Ezekiel Odera and Paul Kiongera returned from Thika United and Gor Mahia respectively, while 2008 Golden Boot winner Francis Ouma joined KCB from Sony Sugar on a one-year loan.