KCB coach ‘Zico’ rubbishes calls for league restart

KCB head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has rubbished calls from a section of clubs pushing for the resumption of Kenyan Premier League.

Otieno who doubles up as the Harambee Stars assistant coach has disapproved the practicality of KPL 2019-20 resuming noting that it’s unrealistic due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“How do you expect the league to resume, how can it be thought of in the first place and how can it go forward?” Otieno questioned adding, “if somebody tells you that he wants the league to resume you should ask him to explain to you the practicality and the time frame.”

The former Gor Mahia assistant coach has underscored that he is thinking of next season and not otherwise.

“We have deadlines when we talk of timeframes. We have next season which should be starting in August. Those are things that those calling for a resume should address,” Otieno, visibly irked at the thought of a restart, charged.

All the KPL matches were suspended in March due to the pandemic that consequently led to FKF president Nick Mwendwa prematurely ending the season and declaring Gor Mahia champions.

Opinion is sharply divided with clubs like Western Stima, KCB, Tusker FC and Kisumu All Stars opposing league resumption while Kakamega Homeboyz, Sofapaka , Wazito, Bandari and AFC Leopards are rooting for a restart.

Meanwhile, Otieno says he’s been in constant communication with his players since the suspension of the league.

“I talk to all my players and the technical bench coaches via the club’s Whatsapp group which means that nothing is hidden from us as far as players’ state is concerned,” he added.

The coach has also noted that training as per now is at the discretion of his players for the purposes of personal fitness and not anything near preparation for a resumption.

Consequently, he has not furnished his players with any training material – for a virtual training or otherwise.

The Bankers were in position five with 42 points, only one behind fourth placed Ulinzi Stars by the time the league was halted.