FKF Premier League outfit KCB are engaged in talks to secure the services of coach Francis Kimanzi, People Sport can reveal.

The coaching role at the Bankers fell vacant after coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s four-year reign came to an end at the end of the just-concluded season and the former Gor Mahia defender requested to leave despite having a chance to renew his contract.

KCB has shortlisted three coaches – Kimanzi, Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, and Stanley Okumbi – to replace Otieno but a source within the club has confirmed they are closing in on the services of Kimanzi.

“Three coaches were shortlisted to replace Otieno, I can confirm Omollo, Okumbi, and Kimanzi as those the club was looking at and talking to but for now they have zeroed in on Kimanzi,” the source, who wished to remain anonymous, told People Sport.

“The club management believes Kimanzi has the credentials to take over the team from Otieno. He has the experience to drive the team forward as they strive to chase titles next season. 

So, the talks are still ongoing, they look very positive and soon it will be made public before the unveiling ceremony.”

The 46-year-old Kimanzi has been “clubless” since leaving Wazito FC in January 2022.

He was also the head coach of Harambee Stars but was fired in 2020 despite having led Kenya to a 1-1 draw away to Egypt and a 1-1 draw against Togo in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

KCB missed out on the league title after finishing fifth in the 18-team table with 64 points from 34 matches. They managed 18 wins, six draws and suffered six defeats.