How scoring brace in Matano's final gamble sealed Etemesi's future at KCB FC
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.12.25. | 14:58
Despite impressing during pre-season and raising expectations of a strong campaign, Etemesi had failed to find the back of the net in his first 12 league appearances
When Kelvin Etemesi delivered a decisive performance against APS Bomet at Kasarani on Tuesday afternoon, scoring twice and forcing an own goal in KCB FC’s 4–2 victory, it was more than just a standout display.
Unbeknown to many, the forward was playing for his future at the club.
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The off-season signing had endured a frustrating start to life at KCB.
Despite impressing during pre-season and raising expectations of a strong campaign, Etemesi had failed to find the back of the net in his first 12 league appearances.
As the season progressed, pressure mounted and his place in the squad came under serious threat.
Against APS Bomet, Etemesi finally rose to the occasion. He forced an own goal to make it 1–1, struck the equaliser again after APS had regained the lead, and completed his brace as Richard Omondi also got on the scoresheet for the Bankers.
Philip Wasai’s double for APS ultimately proved to be only a consolation.
Etemesi’s all-around display earned him a five-star performance rating, but behind the scenes, he was fighting to save his KCB career.
Head coach Robert Matano revealed that the striker had been given one final opportunity to prove his worth, with the January transfer window fast approaching.
“He has been there but had not come out strongly in the games we have given him,” Matano said.
The coach explained that the APS Bomet match effectively served as a make-or-break moment for the former Nairobi City Stars forward, stressing that only players who consistently deliver can remain at the club.
“We had given him a deadline, and he fought for his place. For Etemesi, today would have been his last game at KCB if he had not performed, because I cannot keep a player who is not delivering. He is earning, and if you are earning, you have to produce. It is a give-and-take situation,” Matano added.
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Matano also noted that Etemesi had been clearly warned to deliver against the Law Enforcers, something reflected in his work rate and determination throughout the match.
“I gave him a chance and told him that he had to score goals. My relationship with him is about scoring goals, nothing more, nothing less, and he did it well. I am happy for him.”
However, the coach cautioned that the striker is not yet guaranteed safety, insisting that consistency will be key going forward.
“It depends on other matches. Today he has proved something and I want more from him, but he is capable of doing it,” he said.
KCB FC will wrap up the year with a league fixture against Shabana FC on Sunday at the Moi Kasarani Stadium.
