Mwanja opens up on KCB's preps ahead of new Kenya Cup season
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 22.11.24. | 14:53
The last major triumph for the Bankers in the Kenya Cup came in 2021 when they edged out Kabras RFC 29-25 at the Nandi Bears Club
KCB Rugby coach Dennis Mwanja has acknowledged that the team is in the middle of an extended rebuilding phase as they gear up for the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season.
The once-dominant side has faced a challenging period marked by mixed performances in recent years.
The last major triumph for the Bankers in the Kenya Cup came in 2021 when they edged out Kabras RFC 29-25 at the Nandi Bears Club.
Since then, Kabras RFC has dominated, beating KCB in three consecutive Kenya Cup finals (2022, 2023, 2024).
Kabras has also held onto the Enterprise Cup for three years straight, a trophy KCB last won in 2017.
KCB's struggles have extended to other tournaments. They failed to retain the Impala Floodlights title after an early exit in the quarterfinals against Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad.
The National 7s Circuit title also slipped through their grasp, with Kenya Harlequins taking the crown.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, Mwanja stressed the need to focus on one game at a time and get the team in shape as they work to regain their success.
He explained that setting big goals too soon could hurt their progress and the priority is building teamwork, strategy, and consistency.
“As KCB, we are rebuilding. It took us a little more time to rebuild, especially after massive recruitment. We do not want to get ahead of ourselves by setting great targets. We are taking a game at a time and are quietly confident about our abilities,” he said.
The former Shujaa star went on to note that, they started their preseason preparations early, even overlapping with the 7s circuit in August.
This early start allowed them to test different player combinations and focus on long-term development.
The Bankers used the Floodies to test the depth of their squad, fielding different sets of players to evaluate their abilities and build capacity.
“During Floodies, we fielded different sets of teams. We did not go to win the title this year. If we wanted, we could just have won it. But we were looking at the bigger picture—building capacity and depth,” he added.
KCB has brought in a wave of fresh talent, including Tyson Maina and Davies Nyaundi from Menengai Oilers, Laban Kipsang, Felix Makokha, and Miheso from Kenya Harlequins.
Their arrival has injected energy and excitement into the squad.
“The mood in the camp is right; we are ticking the right boxes and building a game at a time. This year, we have emphasized our conditioning, strength, fitness, decision-making, and cardio,” Mwanja shared.
As the new Kenya Cup season kicks off, Mwanja is aware of the increasing competitiveness in Kenyan rugby.
He identified Kabras, Menengai Oilers, Kenya Harlequins, and Nondies as strong contenders, stressing that KCB does not underestimate any opponent.
“Many teams have stepped up. We do not take any team for granted. I look at all teams as good enough, but some teams are stronger contenders on a good day,” he said.
Mwanja also reserved a special message for KCB’s loyal fans.
“We always appreciate their sacrifice and dedication, sticking with us through our ups and downs. We love you and will continue playing for the love of the fans and the colors we have. They should look forward to an exciting season,” he concluded.
They will kickstart their Kenya Cup campaign against newbies South Coast Pirates on Saturday 23 November at the Ruaraka Grounds.
