KCB Rugby Club, one of Kenya’s most well-known and successful rugby clubs, has fired Oliver Mang’eni and named Denis Mwanja as its new interim head coach.
Mwanja steps into the role with a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the club, poised to lead the squad through an exciting yet challenging period in its journey.
Mwanja’s appointment comes as a strategic move following the departure of Oliver Mang’eni, who served as head coach since August 2024.
Mang’eni had taken the helm after the exit of Curtis Olago, a long-serving coach whose tenure was defined by remarkable achievements and a commitment to elevating KCB’s standing in Kenyan and regional rugby.
As the club navigates this new chapter, Mwanja’s interim leadership is expected to bring stability, fresh perspectives, and a renewed focus on performance while honouring the club’s rich tradition of competitive success.
According to KCB Rugby Club, Mangeni’s contract was to end on 30 June 2025, in around with changes to the technical bench
Denis Mwanja’s Rugby Journey
Denis Mwanja, famously known as “Iron Man,” began his rugby journey at Musingu High School before rising through the ranks at Ulinzi RFC and later KCB RFC, where he made a name for himself as a powerful, hard-hitting player.
He represented Kenya on the international stage in sevens rugby, most memorably scoring a hat-trick against England at the 2007 San Diego Sevens and concluded his playing career with 57 tries for the national team.
Also Read: Players Who Have Won the Champions League, Ballon d’Or & World Cup
After retiring, Mwanja transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at KCB RFC and eventually taking leadership roles, including coaching Thika Millars RFC. In 2022, he was appointed head coach of the Kenya Lionesses, the national women’s sevens team, leading them to notable victories in the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series and playing a key role in their bid for Olympic qualification.
Through his dedication, Mwanja has become a key figure in promoting and advancing women’s rugby in Kenya.
KCB Rugby Club Performance
KCB Rugby Club has demonstrated remarkable form in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season, maintaining an unbeaten streak through at least nine rounds.
Their campaign began with a commanding 77–22 victory over Mwamba RFC on January 11, 2025, where they scored 14 tries in a dominant performance.
The following week, on January 18, they secured a 34–5 win against Nakuru RFC, with early tries from Nick Okulo and Rocky Aguko setting the tone.
Also Read: 8 Players Who Have Scored 6 Goals in One Match
Their most emphatic win came on March 1, with a 69–9 rout of Impala RFC, featuring standout performances from Laban Kipsang and Austin Sikutwa.
Despite these impressive victories, KCB’s season concluded without silverware, as they were eliminated in the Kenya Cup semifinals by Menengai Oilers and in the Enterprise Cup semifinals by Kabras RFC.
Looking ahead, the team is shifting focus to the National Sevens Circuit, aiming to reclaim the title they last held in 2023.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
