KCB head coach Robert Matano has lauded the rapid development of midfielder Rowland Makati, identifying him as a key technical asset following the Bankers 1-0 victory over Nairobi United in the FKF Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The narrow win, secured a spot for the Bankers in the semis – an encounter Matano described as a final before the final, keeping KCB’s hopes of a maiden major trophy alive.
Since Dennis Maruti’s injury against AFC Leopards at Kasarani, Makati has transitioned from a substitute to a mainstay in the Bankers’ engine room despite being signed as a fullback.
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Matano hails Makati after sensational FKF Cup quarterfinal performance
Partnering the veteran Humphrey Mieno, Makati has earned the Lion’s trust through consistency and grit.
“The boy has improved so much and he’s helping the team. After Dennis Maruti got injured, we introduced him in the midfield because there’s a gap there. He’s our technical player. I told him he can play in any position because he has the heart and the talent. He has settled well.”
Matano was also forced to flex his tactical muscles in the second half to protect the slim lead. As Nairobi United pushed for an equalizer by introducing an extra striker in Benson Omalla,and utilizing the long-ball delivery of Mustapha Kizza, Matano turned to captain Nashon Alembi who came in at the heart of the defense
“It was a direct play from Nairobi United and we wanted somebody who can win those second balls and cut off those dangerous long balls. We managed to cut them off,” Matano explained regarding Alembi’s introduction.
While Matano admitted concern over missed chances,noting it would have been very bad had they not progressed given the volume of opportunities created,his focus remains on the ultimate goal which is winning the trophy.
“The most important thing is we got one. It would be very bad if we could not win this match because we lost a lot of chances, and also we are going to work on it. But we are happy because we are in the semi-finals. We are going to plan when the time comes.”
KCB are now set to face Tusker FC in the semi-final. The Bankers, who reached the final in 2024 are desperate to go all the way this time around and finally bag the elusive silverware.
The memory of their last final a painful post-match penalty shootout loss to Kenya Police FC denied them the trophy, and Matano’s charges will be keen to ensure history does not repeat itself when they take on the Brewers.