Mshila said Quins’ performance in the second half of last season’s Kenya Cup is enough evidence they are not a team to be taken lightly.

“I think we just have to play our structures first because we have not seen them (Quins) play or even played them. If you are going by the previous season, they were improving as games went by,” Mshila said.

After a dreary performance in the first half of the 2022/2023 Kenya Cup season, Quins were a team reborn at the beginning of the year as they rallied to finish fourth and qualify for the playoffs.

The eight-time Kenya Cup champions were largely buoyed by their 11 mid-season transfers, including Ian Njenga, Elkeans Musonye and Paul Mutsami, among others.

Having made their own signings, KCB’s Mshila believes the team will eventually click with the more matches that they play together.

With Quins alumni such as Andy Cole Omollo and Nick Okullo on their books, the coach believes their insider knowledge of Saturday’s opponents will come in handy.

“As for the new signings, they should add a bit of oomph to the side. It all comes down to how many games they play together…how they train together. You have Mususi (Wilhite) who is from Quins…Andy Cole and Nick Okullo as well who should be good pieces and additions to the board,” he said.

The bankers beat Nondies 20-3 in last year’s final at the Impala Grounds to collect their second consecutive title following their win in 2019.

They will be looking for a third consecutive crown for an event that is traditionally the curtain raiser for the regular 15s season — the Kenya Cup.

Mshila said the team will need to be at their super best if they are to clinch a fourth straight title considering other sides will be angling for the crown as well.

“As the defending champions, you will always have a target on your back. We need to take it one game at a time…and being a knockout tournament, you cannot afford to snooze,” the coach said.

Speaking at the same time, KCB player Lionel Ajeliti said winning the National Sevens Circuit last month has whetted their appetite for more trophies.

“At the moment, we are just ready for the challenge. Having won the Sevens title, we are going to take the same energy into the 15s seasons…so we are ready for the challenge,” Ajeliti said.

The former Kenyatta University Blak Blad said he cannot wait to step out onto Impala Grounds in the famous green colours of KCB.

“I am very excited…this will be my first time featuring for KCB in the Floodlit tournament. The preparations have been good…a bit intense. We have tried to put in a new way of training so I think it is a good system,” he said.

A win for the bankers will earn them a date with the victor of the duel between Menengai Oilers and hosts Impala, which will be the second match of the day.