KCB FC head coach Patrick Odhiambo has partially blamed unlicensed football agents for hijacking and significantly contributing to their failed bid for the club’s first major title.The Bankers were considered genuine league title contenders following their strong start and dominance for the better part of the first leg of the current season, which is in its closing stages.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsHowever, the club faded off midway through the season, allowing the chasing pack to close in and push them out of contention for the elusive league crown.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931528##Soon after giving up on the chase for the league title, KCB turned their energies and focus on the Mozzart Bet Cup, only to be tossed out by National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi United after a 6-5 penalty shootout loss in the Round of 16.Their elimination from the cup sealed their fate in what was once a promising season, to the disappointment of Odhiambo, who had been brought in last year to fill the gap left by Benard Mwalala.Odhiambo, in an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, revealed that their smooth take off was sabotaged by unlicensed agents, who sought to get deals for his best performers in the mid-season.’I’ve reached my breaking point’ KCB head coach blasts players after loss to SharksAlthough he did not mention names, Odhiambo regretted that the approaches and promises of greener pastures from the agents unsettled a good number of his first team players.”We started the season well, with all indications pointing to the possibility of winning at least a title. However, some individuals purporting to be agents began approaching our players with promises of good deals in January.This unsettled most of them, and by the time they realised they were dealing with fraudsters, the damage had already been done. It was practically impossible to get the crestfallen players back to their best in the middle of the title race,” he opened up.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How 19-year-old rookie secured victory for Sharks against KCBFurther, the former Kakamega Homeboyz coach attributed their trophy-less season to injuries and the exit of an experienced player in February.Odhiambo admitted that losing centre back Haniff Wesonga to a knee injury that necessitated surgery and the shocking transfer of Faruk Shikalo to Bandari FC left huge dents to their title hopes.”We lost some of our starters when we were on top of our game. It disorganised our plan as well,” he said.Loss of form, at crucial stages of the season, by some of the influential players was also cited for the fruitless term for the moneybags.Rising Stars’ AFCON U20 top scorer reveals why he wears jersey number 14Meanwhile, Odhiambo urged players to enlist the services of registered agents for better management of their off-the-pitch business.”Our players need to manage their business better. It is very difficult to coach a player who is being promised better deals elsewhere. This is where agents come in and negotiate on behalf of their clients,” he added.
