KCB FC kicked off their 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League campaign in emphatic fashion with a 2-0 win over Tusker FC under the floodlights at Kasarani. it was veteran tactician Robert Matano,now at the helm of KCB who emerged victorious against his former employers.

Matano, a four-time league champion and the last man to guide Tusker to a title, returned to haunt the Brewers, orchestrating a commanding performance by the Bankers that left no doubt about their ambitions this season.

It took just 19 minutes for new signing Boniface Omondi to announce his arrival at KCB, slotting home the opener after a slick attacking move. He met a whipped cross from December Kisakah with precision to put the bankers ahead. The former Gor Mahia forward didn’t stop there ,he doubled the lead in the 41st minute with a composed finish. A long throw-in from Nashon Wekesa was flicked on and bounced off the crossbar, falling kindly for Omondi, who buried the rebound to put the hosts firmly in control before the break.

Tusker responded with early changes, introducing Omolle for Oruko in the 35th minute, but the momentum remained with the Bankers. At halftime, KCB were comfortably in front at 2-0.The second half saw further attempts by Tusker to claw their way back.

Head coach Charles Okere rang more changes, bringing on Chris Erambo and Dennis Oalo in place of Issa Lumumba and Ian Simiyu. The Brewers were handed a golden opportunity to halve the deficit in the 61st minute after being awarded a penalty, but striker Elvis Rupia Kapaito squandered the chance, firing wide and summing up a frustrating evening for the visitors.

KCB remained disciplined and compact, with Matano refreshing his squad in the 65th minute; Stephen Etyang and Jack Onganya coming in for December Kisakah and Dennis Maruti. The final substitutions came deep into stoppage time as Tedja Wanumbi and Mathew Angal replaced Kelvin Etemesi and Richard Omondi, effectively winding down the clock on a well-earned win.

Speaking after the match, Tusker head coach Charles Okere admitted it was a difficult evening.

“Well, first loss of the season and I believe it was a tricky encounter. We were up against a strong team. I believe we could have done better, it’s a game we had planned well, but unfortunately conceded two early goals,” Okere said.

He remained optimistic about the potential of his new signings and called for patience.

“They are good players, and I believe with more minutes and cohesion, they will improve. We created chances but lacked the cutting edge. It’s early pressure, and we must adapt quickly to catch up.”

For Matano, it was a night of vindication and quiet satisfaction.

“I think confidence, togetherness, cohesion, and preparation made the difference. We’ve been together for two months, and the boys played according to the plan,” he said.

Matano emphasized a tactical approach that stifled Tusker’s threat.

“We locked spaces quickly and maintained our possession. That worked very well. Our plan was to dominate and deny them room.”

Asked about title ambitions, the veteran was measured but confident.

“We’ve started well, but the journey is long—33 matches to go. We will talk along the way. I’m here, and I’m focused.”

On his squad composition, Matano credited his philosophy of blending experience with youth.

“That’s what I do,nurturing and integrating. The experienced teach the young, and together we build a solid team.”