All eyes on Stars new tactician

By Robin Toskin in Cairo

Probably, when John "Bobby" Ogolla lifted the Africa Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) with Gor Mahia in 1987 under the uncompromising Danish coach Jack Johnson he may have had a flash of a thought that he would one day follow in his footsteps at either club or national level.

Two other coaches, Len Julians and Reinhardt Fabisch had a profound influence on him the earlier as coach at Gor and the latter with All Africa Games finalist team.

Because of his tactical discipline, he was always the first in Gor and Harambee Stars’ line of defence.

He would later become Fabisch’s assistant (1997-98 and 2001), which must surely have had him purring that he had made the first step of a 1000 miles journey.

Popular Kimanzi

But as the sorry state of our local football due to politicking continue, 50-year-old Ogolla finds himself thrust on a national platform before a fan-base that is continually growing sceptical what with the sacking of a hugely popular Francis Kimanzi.

Starting with an away tie against African champions, Egypt, in Cairo even if only a friendly, a week into an uncertain tenure is also hardly an enviable task.

Add that to a skeletal side he did not have a hand in selecting that has only four recognised defenders (Pascal Ochieng, Zablon Amanaka, Mulinge Ndetto and Jockins Atudo) taking on African champions at the Cairo den!

"There is nothing I can do at this point. The best we can is improvisation," a visibly shocked Ogolla said when FeverPitch on Saturday pointed out the fact to him.

He added: "But then there is no easy match in football. It is only easy when you are not playing. Football is not for the faint-hearted. If it is difficult then it is pointless being in it," Ogolla said.

Although he was not forthright as to whether his tenure that begun on a tumultuous note would survive into the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, he said he was open to anything including the axe if it meant Harambee Stars moved a step forward.

"We as coaches are technical people and would always love to be involved in the game but not the politics. I am fully aware of the politics killing our football however my only contribution is on technical aspects of the game," he said

"I didn’t impose myself on the team anyway. There is always that feeling that you want to give a helping hand here and there and find yourself drifting into the love of your life."

Cup qualifiers

"It is every coach’s desire to be involved in the game to the highest level and I am no exception. Football Kenya told me they would discuss with me with a view to giving me the job. So when we get to Nairobi that is what I hope to do with them. If I get opportunity to lead the team then I will do my selection for World Cup qualifiers."

His appointment drew mixed reactions with lead striker Denis Oliech suggesting he was inviting heartache himself by accepting the job.

"The lad’s concern is very true. I have not been paid for my services that run upwards of Sh200, 000 accrued in 2001.

"Even after Kipchoge Keino recommended during the Normalisation period that we be paid our money, nothing is yet to be done. So, Oliech is right. But, if we were all to shy away from the team what good would it serve the youngsters?" Ogolla said.

Oliech has indicated he will not be coming for any future international matches unless Kimanzi is reinstated.

Oliech, who turns out for French Ligue one side AJ Auxerre said he does not believe the new coach has the ability to mould a winning side to feature in the up-coming World Cup qualifiers.

He scored four goals and against formidable opponents and when he did not feature in the last qualifier against Namibia at home, the team struggled to find the back of the net.

Modest coaching

Ogolla boasts modest coaching credentials, but his knowledge of football and its dynamics is unquestionable.

He spent most of his time coaching Ruiru Telkom as part of his obligations as Telkom Kenya employee and later World Hope. He has since moved to Sofapaka as part of Robert Matano’s coaching staff.

The only predictable thing is that local football wrangles will continue but whether Ogolla will be around to handle Harambee Stars is a matter of conjecture.