AFC unveil Dutch coach Koops

By Gilbert Wandera

AFC Leopards executive committee has appointed Dutch national Jan Koops to strengthen the team’s technical bench.

Koops will work with current coach Nick Yakhama to turn around the fortunes of the club that is struggling in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The Dutchman told journalists he has been instructed to take over as the head coach but downplayed his position in the club insisting that what matters is that they work together with Yakhama.

"For me it does not really matter who is the head coach. The most important thing is that we help each other to turn around the fortunes of this great club," said the 70-year-old.

Koops said he has what it takes to turn around the club having watched Kenyan football for many years.

"I have told the players that we must start to win and it is still possible to have a positive position at the end of the season. The truth is if we win just two matches we will catch up with the leaders.

"We have good players who can do wonderful things for this club and we will all work together to ensure that we do well," he added.

However, speaking to Feverpitch on phone AFC Chairman Alex Ole Magelo said Koops will only help but not as head coach.

Koops said the next match against Tusker on Wednesday is crucial for Leopards as they seek to revive their fortunes in the KPL.

Koops has formerly handled several clubs in Germany and Holland.

Some of the clubs he has handled include Vichttal 08 and Elburger Sport Club.

He is a former player of DSV’6 in Holland. Yakhama welcomed the appointment and said it is beneficial for the team and is likely to turn around their fortunes.

"I have been working alone for the last one month with no assistant or goalkeeper trainer. It has been difficult but I am happy that finally I have someone to work with."