KCB ACCOUNT HACKED: Bankers feel pain of being relegated from premier league

“We are still in shock. We cannot believe it!” This was the reaction of KCB chairman George Odhiambo after his side was relegated from the SportPesa Premier League on Sunday.

The bankers needed to beat Western Stima and hope Nairobi City Stars lose to Sony Sugar at City Stadium. But in the end, both KCB and City Stars drew their matches 1-1, which gave City Stars a lifeline as they survived the chop.

But what could have gone wrong for a side that just three years ago, finished in an impressive fourth place on the log?

According to Odhiambo, the absence of head coach Rishadi Shedu on the bench at the beginning of the season cost them crucial points. “Our biggest undoing was the fact that Shedu was indisposed for some time and had to leave charge to an inexperienced assistant, who had just stopped playing,”he said.

Shedu has been in and out of hospital this season and at one point, left former player Elvis Ayany in charge of the team. Odhiambo also admits they did not sign quality players due to budgetary constraints.

“Most of those we signed were fringe players in their former clubs, therefore they could not do as much as we would have expected. We could not afford the quality players we needed to help us,” he said.

Two years ago, the bankers had to let go some of their key players, among them Jacob Keli and Clifford Alwanga and this could just have laid the foundation for their relegation. Odhiambo admits they could not afford to keep the players due to their demands. “What they wanted us to pay them was beyond our budget and we had no option but to let them go,” he admits. With regard to the future, Odhiambo said a decision will be made on the fate of the technical bench, players and team this week after a meeting with the top management. Odhiambo has, however, assured the team will be there next season to fight for a place back to the top league.

TO LOSE SH20 million

As it is, the bankers stand to lose an annual kitty of Sh20million now that they have been relegated. The club receives Sh13million from its main sponsors and another Sh7million from SuperSport, who hold the league’s broadcast rights. KCB now joins Nakuru All Stars, the other team that has been relegated after the 2015 season.

Meanwhile, as Gor Mahia celebrates a third straight SportPesa Premier League title, one man who will stand out is assistant captain Musa Mohamed, who has played every minute of the season.

Musa skippered the team in all the matches with club captain Jerim Onyango on the bench in all the league games and speaking after the final game, he thanked God and all stakeholders for their contribution to the successful season.

A joyful Musa said he took pride having captained the team all season and he will definitely cherish the moment.

“We feel so good and we thank God for this moment. My teammates too have been good with the consistency all season and the coaches for the tactics and good motivation. All these and of course our fans, have contributed to the success.

—Additional reporting by SuperSport