Perfect fit: Tactical look into KCB's decent start to the season

It is lining up to be an intriguing start to the season for Bernard Mwalala’s KCB.

Continuity and consistency have been key for the Bankers over the past few seasons, as the well funded side has struggled to deliver the much elusive continental football dream of it's investors.

After parting ways with Zedekiah Otieno, KCB roped in Mwalala from Ulinzi Stars, the former Kenyan international striker who also previously handled Nzoia Sugar FC, Bandari and Kakamega Homeboyz.

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In this piece we delve into KCB’s set up so far this season, and their player profiles.

Base formation.

In terms of base formation, Mwalala has stuck with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation in all their first 5 league games.

Goalkeeper.

In Byrne Omondi, a now seemingly set Kenyan international, KCB have one of the gems of the country in the goalkeeping department.

Thus the goalkeeper is duly trusted to connect and play out of high-risk situations, and is also an active sweeper.

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Centre Backs.

For the center back pairing, so far Nashon Nanyendo and Haniff Wesonga have been the go-to pairing.

The duo has a solid balance of aggressor and elite aerial presence.

However, there is no elite on-ball profile; a player with a great source of line-breaking.

Double Pivot.

With the injury to captain Michael Mutinda, Apollo Otieno and Brian Ochieng have taken up the mantle of marshaling the midfield.

Otieno has the most possession-retaining connective role in midfield, and is a good press -relieving dribbler from deeper areas.

Ochieng gives good aggressive and progressive passing presence in front of Apollo.

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Full Backs.

On the left fullback role, Erickson Mulu has held his own so far.

He has grown to be sturdy in his one vs.one defensive plays and aids further in ball progression down the left flank.

On the right, Kevin Okumu provides secure technical ability, short passing and tidiness in

possession. He is also a good progressive carrier.

Attacking Midfielder.

Musa Masika is key to a lot of things in this KCB set up.

He has been granted the freedom of this role and has repaid the managers faith well, pulling a man of the match performance in a tricky midweek fixture against stubborn Kakamega Homeboyz.

Masika drifts between the lines to link up wherever the ball may be.

Wingers.

Stephen Etyang is confident and comfortable in drifting wide where he can be an outlet.

He has strong dribbling numbers and a respectable end product.

He can drive at his man, and is able to create something out of nothing against a deep block.

The other wide offensive player side has seen rotations between Harrison Mwendwa and Kennedy Owino.

On that side the coach looks to get an explosive off ball runner and someone who can almost exclusively be isolated with the ball.

Striker.

Francis Kahiro and Derrick Otanga are the two leading men in attack.

However, in the KCB setup only one can play.

Kahiro offers a lethal threat aerially, always around the box and again, is a very good header of the ball.

Once KCB seems to get him service, the goals have come.

Otanga is also a shoe in, he offers good diagonal runs and is comfortable on cutbacks and intelligent box movement.

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What has been intriguing this season so far is KCB’s off the ball shape.

They do this in a 1-4-4-2 or a 1-4-5-1 when they are forced into their defensive third.

Two compact banks are very common in the FKF Premier League and KCB is no exception.

They look to maintain close proximity between defenders and have cover to help. Their main aim is containment of the opponent.

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This block has proved to be very stubborn and is something they will clearly look to build on.

It is set to be an interesting season for KCB FC, is this finally the season they step up to the lofty ambitions?