Koops walks out on Division One side Kolongolo

By  Rodgers Eshitemi

Former AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops has parted company with Busia based Kolongolo FC barely two months after taking charge of the FKF Division One League side.

In an interview with Feverpitch, the Dutchman said he resigned after the club failed to meet his demands.

“When I joined Kolongolo, I knew it was a small club and I had some reasons as to why I accepted the offer. 

“But unfortunately, what I expected in the club is not what I have been seeing. I need to work a place where I can concentrate on what I am doing, but here I was not comfortable at all.”

“I don’t feel bad resigning. It’s a personal decision and I will have to live by it. Both parties had expectations but this is not what I anticipated,” said Koops.

Asked whether he held any grudge towards the club and if he regrets turning down Karuturi Sports offer, Koops said: “I have no ill feelings towards anybody in the team. I enjoyed the short time I have been with them. They were very good to me and I thank the Chairman (Kizito Namulanda) for his kindness. My departure has nothing to do with the money and management. ”

“Of course I regret for not joining Karuturi, but that’s the past. The offer came after Kolongolo had already contracted me. So it was a bit tricky. It’s an opportunity I missed. At the moment, I am not in a rush for a club, I will wait for them to approach me,” said Koops.

Kolongolo Chairman Kizito Namulanda said he’s stunned by Koops’ unprofessional act to walk away saying his demands are ridiculous.

“I am yet to receive any official communication from Koops. I wonder why he decided to resign through the media. I’m very surprised with the way he handled this matter. As as we are concerned we met all his contractual obligations. We only differed when he demanded  reimbursement of his travel costs that wasn’t in contract.

“For example, Koops wanted to travel by air from Nairobi and use a taxi from airport to his apartment. He We gave him a house in Nambale, where our club is based, yet he wanted to commute from adjacent Mumias Town and load the cost on the club. We will sort it out with him because he still has a valid contract,” said Kizito.