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“I have missed the players, the dugouts, the pitches, the training…  I cannot wait for the league to resume.” 

These are the words of the KCB FC coach Zedekiah Otieno.  Zico, as the tactician is fondly referred to, is excited the league is set to resume after the suspension of sports on March 26 by the government was lifted on May 1 by President Kenyatta.

He says the consequences of sports being put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic have been dire and he cannot wait for sports, and precisely top-flight football league, to return. 

He believes there is a lot he can achieve with his side after a roller coaster ride in the league where they sit second on the log, behind leaders Tusker FC.

“There are four things that have helped push us forward this season,” said Zico.

“First, we signed quality players. Secondly, we set targets and are achieving them. Third, we have a good technical bench and lastly our sponsors are amazing.”  

The coach is happy that they signed players who are adding value to the team and he is content with all departments from defence to midfield and the striking force. “I see no reason to bolster the team in the second leg.

“Everything is working out perfectly. If there is a need to do so then the technical bench will decide,” he says.

Indeed seven of his players — Denise Odhiambo, Nashon ‘Crouch’ Alembi, David ‘Messi’ Ambulu, Baraka Badi, Joseph ‘Spoti’ Okoth, Reagan Okello and Michael Mutinda — have so far earned call-ups to the national team, Harambee Stars, this season.

“I am glad we were the team with the highest number of players against Egypt and Togo in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers. This meant a lot to us.It shows the quality in our club,” says Zico. 

Zico has set short, medium and long term targets for the team and he is glad all is working out well.

His main one is to finish the league in a respectable position.

“Every time we try to improve on everything so as to avoid stagnation.” 

Zico says the KCB technical bench has offered good leadership that has contributed to their good run in the league.

Zico is also grateful that their sponsors have lived up to their promise which is to fund and provide support to players.

He says the role played by their sponsors during this trying time is unmatched.

“All players and technical bench have been on salaries which are paid on time.”

“Their support is what makes this team what it is. It is what will take this team to where we want to go at the end of the season.”