I&M Bank won the men’s and women’s football titles at the 2026 Interbank Games.
I&M Bank men beat Kenya Bankers Sacco 2-0 for a third straight title, while the women secured their first football gold with 15 points.
I&M Bank claimed both Interbank Games football titles as the 2026 competition ended in Nairobi at the weekend. The men secured their third consecutive crown, while the women celebrated their first gold in the category.
The men’s team defeated Kenya Bankers Sacco 2-0 in the final to extend their winning run. Meanwhile, the women finished top of the round-robin standings with 15 points at the games’ 40th edition.
Interbank Games football champions extend winning run
Captain Japheth Osango credited the men’s success to sustained preparation, teamwork and support from their employer. The 40-year-old defender has captained the side for eight years and described the latest title as particularly meaningful.
For Osango, the three championships reflected the team’s growth rather than an isolated run of good results. Their 2024 victory built belief, while defending the trophy in 2025 strengthened their confidence.
He said the 2026 triumph further demonstrated the squad’s determination and ability to maintain its standards. However, retaining the title brought pressure because opponents entered the competition eager to defeat the champions.
Osango also credited the players, coaches and the bank’s People and Culture Department for their contributions. He said the team hoped future players would build on its achievements and eventually surpass them.
Fitness and tactical work underpin success
Before the tournament, the squad combined gym work with friendly matches and tactical sessions. Those preparations also helped strengthen understanding between players and build team chemistry, Osango said.
Because they entered as defending champions, the players focused on avoiding complacency throughout their preparations. Fitness, discipline, communication and clarity about individual roles formed central parts of their approach.
Osango said talent mattered, but commitment and composure under pressure made the difference during the competition. He also highlighted the experience the squad had gained through its previous title-winning campaigns.
The captain dedicated the trophy to teammates, the bank’s leadership, colleagues and others who supported the squad. In addition, he acknowledged assistance with training arrangements, equipment, uniforms and logistics.
He thanked colleagues and line managers for helping players balance their jobs with sporting commitments. That flexibility, he said, allowed the team to prepare and compete with confidence.
More medals in swimming and basketball
Beyond football, I&M Bank collected seven gold medals, 16 silvers and four bronzes in swimming. The bank also earned silver in women’s basketball after a closely contested encounter with perennial rivals Equity Bank.
Osango described the annual games as an important opportunity for employee wellness and connections across the banking industry. He said they also gave staff space to recharge and showcase talents outside their normal work environment.
In his view, the relationships and teamwork developed through sport could benefit the workplace too. He thanked the bank for its continued backing and pledged to represent it with commitment on and off the pitch.
