AFC stalk Marin: Romanian will replace De Jongh as head coach

AFC Leopards players break for second half against Tusker during their GOtv Shield quarter-finals match at City Stadium on Sunday 28/09/14.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Former Eritrea national team coach Dorian Marin is favourites to replace Dutchman Pietier De Jongh, who was sacked by AFC Leopards.

AFC Leopards top officials have settled on the Romanian to take over the hot seat pending a mutual agreement on the terms of engagement. Marin is to be unveiled next week.

De Jongh was fired on Sunday during the club's Special General Meeting (SGM) where members put pressure on the executive to send him home after a poor run of results this season, which left Leopards with no trophy.

A top AFC Leopards official confirmed to Feverpitch on Monday that the Romanian will be the new boss at the den.

"We have been in discussions with him over the last few weeks and he has impressed us with his experience and grasp of the game especially in the region. This is the reason we have settled on him," said the official.

He further revealed that the new man will be coming over with his own trainer to focus on keeping the players fit. However, Leopards will retain Yusuf Chipo as his assistant.

Leopards will however have to pay De Jongh all his dues before he is released.

Romanian coach Dorian Marin

"We will pay him a three-month salary and all pending allowances before releasing him. It is only fair that we clear with him on a good note," he revealed.

Marin is not new to East Africa. Apart from handling Eritrea, he was also a former coach of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), which features in the top Ugandan league.

Many Kenyans will remember him as the man who was in charge of Eritrea when the team beat Kenya 2-1 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

He holds a UEFA 'A' coaching licence. Marin has previously expressed interest to work with a Kenyan club and has applied several times to handle Harambee Stars.

He was also among the coaches who applied to handle Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia after Bobby Williamson left the club to take charge of Harambee Stars.

Elsewhere, Tusker have confirmed they are ready to release top striker Jesse Were, who is eyeing to turn professional in Tunisia.

The player has also received an offer from Ethiopian giants St George's. According to Tusker director Charles Obiny, they will not step in the way of the player once he confirms which club he wants.

"The last time we declined because the transfer window had not opened. But now he is free to leave once he settles on the club. This is his future and we don't want to interfere with it at this moment in his career," said Obiny.

AFC Leopards are also reportedly interested in the player as a replacement for Jacob Keli who is expected to leave.