Coach 'Pamzo' brings back life to KCB

KCB coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo [Courtesy]

Like most teams that either earn promotion or take part in the top league for the first time, the first few matches are very challenging and it was no different for KCB when they joined this year’s SportPesa Premier League (SPL).

The banker’s went more than five matches without picking a win and doubts were already cast on whether they will avoid the relegation curse that follows newcomers and newly promoted sides.

But three weeks ago, the tide changed after the banker’s registered a famous 1-0 win over champions Gor Mahia at Machakos Stadium in a highly emotive match.

Gor Mahia fans were so incensed by the result that they stoned the KCB bus but fortunately no one got hurt.

That win turned around the team and since then have not lost a single match and are currently placed tenth on the log.

The influence of one man has been evident in this turnaround and everyone agrees that since Sammy Omollo joined the club as an assistant coach, things have drastically changed.

Omollo joined KCB just a week after he had been sacked at Posta Rangers for poor performance but he took the rejection in his stride.

“In a way my presence has made a difference at KCB. But that is just part of it. Frank Ouna was under a lot of pressure when I came and having been under a similar situation myself, I decided to help him carry the burden.

“We have worked together well, changed some stuff tactically and the good co-operation has brought us the positive result. It was all a matter of talking to the players and we saw the confidence come back suddenly. With  my vast experience, the players responded very well.”

Omollo further thank the management at KCB for their support. “That support was key. We have never had a situation where players are complaining about delayed salaries.”

Having targets, Omollo said has also helped pick good results as it pushes them to aim at the top.

“We always have a target of collecting seven points after every three matches. So far we have managed well. It is something that has helped inspire our players as it motivates them and puts them on toes,” he explained.

The bankers can now dream of a top eight finish. “Even before I cam the club had this target and I believe it is achievable and within our grasp. We just have to keep doing what we have been doing and will achieve our goal,” he concludes.