Baraza appointed new Western Stima coach

By Philip Orwa

Western Stima FC has acquired the services of Former Sony FC Coach Francis Ochieng’ Baraza.

Baraza, former Harambee stars coach, was unveiled in Kisumu on Friday at a colourful ceremony that was attended by Kenya Power Human Resource Manager Daniel Rotich, Marketing Officer Erick Libese, and Chairman Western Stima Laban Jobita, among others.

Jobita said that they were presenting the new tactitian to the team at their head office in Kisumu as they were going to use Kisumu’s Moi Stadium upon its completion as the second home ground after Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

Competitive process

“We have today put pen to paper with Baraza after a competitive selection. The new coach is scheduled to start work on January 7, when the Western Stima team will kick off its training,” Jobita said.

The Western-based club chairman said that they had signed a one-year contact with Baraza, which would be renewed based on performance of the tactitian.

The chairman thanked Henry Omino, the immediate club’s coach, whom he said they had worked with for the past three years and said he was a great coach.

Experienced coach

Baraza, who has been with Sony for the past seven years and was replaced last season with former Gor Mahia tactician Zedekiah Otieno, brings a wealth of experience to the club.

He won the Premier league with Sony once in his coaching career and represented the team in the continental tournament, he was also the assistant coach of the national team, as the assistant of Francis Kimanzi.

Jobita thanked Kenya Power for their continued support and asked Baraza to embark on his new duty with diligence and passion.

Full support

“Western Stima officials have told me that they are going to support me in my duties and that is all that matters in this coaching career,” said Baraza.

“Am up to the task and will start my duties when we get back to the camp next month. I have a vast of experience in the Tusker Premier League, am not new to this job and am certain that I will be an asset to the team,” added Baraza.

Rotich, the Human resource Manager Kenya Power said that they were happy of Western Stima’s performance and welcomed Baraza assuring him of full support.