Musa Otieno named Stars assistant coach

By Gilbert Wandera

 

Former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno has been appointed an assistant coach of the team ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau in Nairobi.

Otieno is expected in the country tomorrow to begin his coaching duties with the national team.

He is currently an assistant coach at Cape Town based Sanlam Santos, a club he played for before retiring two months ago.

Harambee Stars team manager Edward Oduor confirmed the appointment of Otieno and said it was due to the former captain’s long-term experience.

“Otieno has played for this team for a long time and he has something to offer at the coaching level,” said Oduor

“His presence will be a major motivator, especially for the young players who just saw him playing. We believe he has a lot to give back to the team and this informed our decision to invite him to take up the new post,” said Oduor.

The new Harambee Stars assistant coach was earlier scheduled to arrive in the country last Wednesday, but was held back by club duties since his team will be involved in a local derby tonight.

When he retired two months ago, the 38-year-old defender said he had had enough on the pitch and it is time for him to give back from the outside.

“It is great to be back home for good. There is so much to do to develop the sport, but I cannot say what I will do now. I am looking around and getting a feel of what is going on before deciding my next move,” he said then.

Otieno retired from the national team Harambee Stars in 2009 after Kenya lost 3-2 to Nigeria in their last match of the Africa Cup/World Cup qualifiers.

He was the longest serving member of the national team having joined the team in 1993.

He joined Santos in 1997 after brief stints with Tusker and AFC Leopards in the Kenyan league.

He made over 300 appearances and scored over 30 goals for Santos helping them win the PSL Championship in the season 2001/02.

He was part of the Santos team that won the Bob Save Super Bowl in 2001, the BP Top 8 in 2002, and the ABSA Cup in 2003.

He was named the South African Premier League Player of the Year in 2007.

In 2008, he briefly joined Cleverland City Stars in the United States of America, making his debut as a 64th minute going on to score a goal and helped the club win the US League two title.

Otieno is also involved in youth development in his childhood neighbourhood of Jericho where he runs a football foundation.