Football Kenya Federation FKF Premier League side KCB captain Simon Munala has narrated the painful ordeal of losing the prestigious premier league title on the final day of the 2020/2021 season after they had showed all signs of breaking the duck and winning their maiden trophy.

From the experience, the player believes that the team’s mentality has changed for the better from a team constantly fighting for survival to a genuine title contender.

Tusker FC were officially confirmed as the new champions last month, ending Gor Mahia FC’s four-year hold of the title.

The Brewers secured the crown on the final day of the season when they edged Bidco United 2-1, finishing the season with a total of 65 points three points ahead of KCB who mounted a strong challenge of their own.

Munala speaking during the Bankers awards luncheon yesterday in Nairobi, said the pain will manifest and push the team to fight for the title next season.

“Knowing where the team was coming from, I can say today it was extremely painful losing the title in such a manner,” said Munala.

“There are matches when we look back that we should have won or picked a point but that is football and such outcomes happen,” he added.

He said the team should, however, draw some encouragement from his recent concluded season.

“This is by far the most disciplined side I have worked with and for that I want to laud the entire team for that support,” he said.

The midfielder also applauded the team’s technical bench led by head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and the sponsors for the undivided support during a uncertain season marred by Covid-19 pandemic.

“Not many teams can confidently say they received good treatment from their sponsors than we did, for Kenyan standards, we had a good season, I hope the same can be reciprocated next season,” he added.

The club’s president Paul Russo, who is also the Bank’s Group Business Director promised to give the team all the necessary support as they fight for silverware.

“I have had a chat with the coach, he has shared his points on areas he thinks we need to improve.

So before the start of the season all that is important for that course will be addressed,” Russo told the players.

Coach Zico hinted at beefing up the side with new faces to strengthen the team but failed to name the areas that need urgency.

“When you go to war, there is only one objective, try and strengthen your arsenal. We are assessing our options so the details will be revealed soon,” he said.

Referring to the just concluded season, Zico reiterated that signing quality players, setting targets, having a good technical bench and the support from sponsors are amazing played a key role.

To prove he had quality signings, seven of his players have so far earned call ups to the national team, Harambee Stars, last season.

Denise Odhiambo, Nashon ‘Crouch’ Alembi, David ‘Messi’ Ambulu, Baraka Badi, Joseph ‘Spoti’ Okoth, Reagan Okello and Michael Mutinda.

“That is exactly what we shall be targeting again,” he concluded.

During the ceremony, National team defender Baraka was named the most valuable player of the team for his gallant show in the just concluded season.

The most disciplined award went to the longest serving player at the club Samuel Mwangi.

Brian Ochieng was honoured as the most improved player at the team. Victor Omune won the best dressed accolade while Michael Odour took the funniest dressed player award for the concluded season.