24 coaches apply for vacant Nzoia job

Gilbert Selebwa is among those who have applied for coaching job at Nzoia. [Boniface Okendo]

Former AFC Leopards coaches Gilbert Selebwa, James Nandwa, Edward Manoah and Ezekial Akwana are among the 24 applicants who have applied for the vacant coach position at Nzoia Sugar.

Standard Sports understands that experienced coaches Michael Nam, Yusuf Chipo, former Nairobi Stima coach Leonard Odipo, former Muhoroni Youth coach George Maina, former Bandari assistant coach Ibrahim Shikanda, Francis Xavier and Sylvester Wanyama are also in the race to succeed Collins Omondi.

This is the second time the Bungoma-based club is searching for Omondi's replacement after they recently revoked the appointment of veteran goalkeeper trainer Sylvester Murukurwa as their new coach.

The job fell vacant when Omondi was suspended by the millers in March following a string of poor results.

Nzoia finished 15th in the abandoned 2019/20 season after garnering a paltry 13 points from 22 fixtures.

Nzoia chairman Evans Kadenge is confident of landing a qualified trainer ahead of the new 2020/21 season that starts on November 20.

The applicants will be shortlisted in the next few days followed by the interviews before the new coach is announced at the end of the month.

"We received at least 24 applications before the deadline on October 13. We've left the recruitment to the Human Resource Department and we expect to have the new coach in two weeks," Kadenge said.

Nzoia Sugar FC moments to match kick-off against Mathare FC during a KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, Dec 29, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kadenge added: "We are of course going for the best and most qualified candidate who can help the club restore its lost glory. It is our hope that he will have enough time to prepare the team for the new season."

The new coach will be deputised by Murukurwa, with former midfielder John Muraya serving as the team manager.

The millers, who will begin their campaign with a home match against returnees Nairobi City Stars, have beefed up their squad by signing nine players.

They include former Bandari duo of Moses Mudavadi and Cliff Kasuti, goalkeeper Mustapha Oduor, Felix Oluoch (Posta Rangers), Eric Mango (KCB), Kevin Maliachi (APS Bomet), Titus Kapchanga (St Anthony’s Kitale), Brian Wanyonyi and Jeremiah Juma (Unattached).