KCB Rugby head coach Andrew Amonde has attributed the Bankers’ return to the Impala Floodlit tournament semifinals to a successful preseason, backing from sponsors, KCB, improved squad depth and quality recruitment.
The Bankers ended a two-year wait for a place in the last four after defeating defending champions Menengai Oilers 31-24 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash at Impala Club on Saturday, 17 October.KCB had missed the semifinals in the 2024 and 2025 editions following defeats to Blak Blad and Menengai Oilers, respectively. However, they turned the tables on the Oilers to book their place in this season’s final four.
Amonde credited the club’s preparations for laying the foundation for their impressive performance. “This is one of the most successful pre-seasons we have had. Our sponsors have made it possible for us to have a proper preseason. We have had friendly matches, a long week with the boys, and we made very good signings during the transfer window. We are reaping the benefits of it. KCB has invested, and the team is just giving back,” Amonde said.
The Bankers’ preseason programme included a friendly encounter against their Ugandan counterparts, KCB Kobs, whom they defeated 38-8 as they fine-tuned their combinations ahead of the new season.KCB also strengthened their squad during the transfer window, bringing in several players to bolster competition across different positions.
Leading the list of arrivals was Kenya Sevens international Nygel Amaitsa, who joined from Strathmore Leos and is expected to provide cover at fly-half and fullback.KCB RFC forward reveals how France stint has helped refine his game.
David Nyangige also completed his move from Impala, while lock Timfox Esikuri and utility back Salano Hillary joined as free agents. The Bankers further recruited hooker Samson Mapesa from Kisii RFC, fly-half/fullback Benson Kihiti from Kenya Prisons, tight-head prop Collins Ngoko from MMUST Rugby and versatile forward Innocent Indeche Murunda from Kisumu RFC.The new additions have given Amonde more options as he continues to assess his squad and identify the combinations best suited to his playing system.
Against the Oilers, KCB demonstrated resilience and composure to overcome the defending champions and secure a place in the semifinals. Amonde praised his players for executing their instructions, working collectively and remaining committed to the game plan throughout the contest.“ The boys were out to play, and they stuck to the game plan. They worked for each other, and eventually they got the win,” he said.
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The former Kenya Sevens captain also explained that understanding their opponents played a crucial role in the victory.“We knew our strengths; we knew the game from the onset; how they were playing and how they came back, so we knew exactly how we could keep the ball and bring our gameplay into the fold. Knowing our strengths and weaknesses was a big thing for us. The first 10 minutes were about judging how good we were, and when we got our strengths going, we knew exactly what to do and how we wanted to execute some of the things that we knew they could not defend,” Amonde added.
With their semifinal place secured, the Bankers will now turn their attention to the next stage as they seek to maintain their momentum and push for the title.They will face Mwamba RFC in the semis slated for Saturday, 24 October at the Impala Grounds.