Frank Ouna Hails KCB Resurgence After Maiden SPL Win

NAIROBI, Kenya- KCB FC head coach Frank Ouna hailed his side’s resurgence as they battled to their first SportPesa Premier League (SPL) victory, edging AFC Leopards SC 1-0 at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Saturday.

Former Thika United FC midfielder Shami Kibwana had the chance to put the bankers ahead in the 36th minute from the penalty spot, but Jairus Adira did well to save.

KCB recovered two minutes later, making amends for the penalty miss with a well-taken Kennedy Owino chance, which eventually proved to be the all-important winning goal.

“The game was a bit tense in the beginning but I am pleased with the shift my boys put in today.

“Leopards had more chances than us but we were able to soak in the pressure well and keep them out, which matters most at the end of the day,” Ouna told SportPesa News.

Ouna joined KCB on a two-year contract in October, following the relegation of his former side Wazito FC and has expressed his determination to lead them to a respectable finish in the 2018/19 SPL season.

KCB were buoyed by the appointment of veteran Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, who will serve as Ouna’s assistant coach for two years.

The former Posta Rangers FC head coach’s contract with the mailmen expired in December last year, and the club opted against extending the same.

“I am happy with my new job, it is a new challenge for me and I take it with both hands. KCB is a good team with a good coach as well, and I believe it is going to be tough and exciting in equal measure,” Pamzo stated.

Utmost respect

The maiden win for KCB leaves them in 17th place with five points, three ahead of bottom side Mt. Kenya United FC, who lost 2-1 to second-place Bandari in the earlier fixture in Nakuru.

The injured Leopards dropped to 13th, with seven points from as many games following the loss.

KCB’s next assignment is an away game in Western Kenya when they battle it out against Vihiga United FC on Saturday, January 19.

A second straight victory for the newly-promoted side could see them jump up six places on the SPL table.

“The result is very encouraging to everyone at the club and now we have to work at keeping the momentum going.

“We will take the positives from the match and work on fixing what went wrong and I have no doubt that with the quality in the side, we can turn the season around,” Ouna underlined.

Speaking on the recruitment of Pamzo, Ouna expressed utmost respect and confidence in his assistant’s capability, further stating that he is excited for what the future holds.

“Pamzo is a great coach and having played against him many times, it’s great that we can work together now.

“His experience is key and I am confident that he will prove to be a great asset for the club moving forward,” he concluded.