KCB sack ten players

KCB forward Benson Amianda (left) vies for the ball with Western Stima defender Kennedy Owino during their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Moi Stadium, Kisumu on November 25, 2019. Amianda is one of the 10 players who have been sacked by KCB on August 6, 2020 due to economic effects of coronaavirus pandemic. PHOTO | DONNA ATOLA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Waruru, an experienced forward with pace to burn, joined the Bankers at the start of the 2019/2020 league season after a short stint at Sofapaka
  • The other dropped players are Pascal Ogweno, a central defender formerly at Gor Mahia, plus keeper Allan Owiny, Eston Esiye, Bolton Omwenga, Eric Otieno, Brian Olango, Gabriel Mugabo, Kenneth Mukuria, and Benson Amianda


Ex-Harambee Stars forward Stephen Waruru headlines a list of ten players sacked by KCB's football team, with the management attributing the decision to financial challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

KCB FC, as the team is commonly referred to, competes in the top-flight league of Kenyan football which is now referred to as the BetKing Premier League.

But not even an anticipated Sh8 million grant from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as part of the new sponsorship from the Nigerian gaming firm ahead of the 2020/21 league season appears enough to sustain the Bankers.

"Covid-19 has negatively impacted the Kenyan economy global community at large. The negative impact has by extension affected the financial capabilities and support of KCB FC sponsors," one of the dismissal letters signed by team manager Azu Ogola reads in part.

"This has in turn reduced the funds available to support and run the activities of KCB FC. In order to sustain the team and activities of KCB FC going forward, it has become necessary to reduce the number of players in the team from the current 30 to 24 players."

"We regret to advise that you have not been selected to form part of the 24 players whose services will be utilized next season (2020/2021). Consequently, we hereby notify you that your contract with KCB FC is accordingly terminated."

Waruru, an experienced forward with pace to burn, joined the bankers at the start of the 2019/20 league season after a short stint at Sofapaka.

But it is at Ulinzi Stars that the 29-year old made his name and announced himself on the local football scene after emerging top-scorer in the Kenyan Premier League, with 11 goals, in 2011.

The other dropped players are Pascal Ogweno, a central defender formerly at Gor Mahia, plus keeper Allan Owiny, Eston Esiye, Bolton Omwenga, Eric Otieno, Brian Olango, Gabriel Mugabo, Kenneth Mukuria, and Benson Amianda.

Coached by Harambee Stars deputy coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, KCB FC were ranked 5th on the 18-team Kenyan Premier League standings before the competition was halted after the coronavirus struck.