Zico returns a Ranger: Former Gor Mahia coach Otieno hired at Posta weeks after losing job at Sony Sugar

Sony coach Zedekiah Otieno reacts on the touchline during their KPL match against City Stars at Nyayo Stadium.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Former Sony Sugar coach Zedekiah Otieno is back on the pitch after signing a six month contract with Posta Rangers.

He takes the place of John Kamau, who has formally quit the club after being redeployed. According to Rangers chairman John Tonui, they will review Otieno’s status after six months and believe the new man will help them earn promotion next year.

“We are determined to make it to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) next year and believe the new coach has the necessary experience to help us achieve that. We have hired him for an initial period of six months and then we will review his performance at the end,” he said.

Rangers were unfortunate to miss out on promotion to this year’s KPL following a stand-off between the League Company and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on the number of teams to be promoted.

Otieno, who has also handled KPL champions Gor Mahia was fired at Sony three weeks ago following a spate of poor results.

His first assignment is Wednesday’s FKF Premier League match between Rangers and Kariobangi Sharks at Nyayo Stadium.

Elsewhere, Rangers, Zoo Kericho and Kariobangi Sharks were big winners in their weekend FKF PL matches.

Rangers clawed Mosca 2-0, Zoo Kericho beat Nzoia United 1-0 while Sharks were 2-0 winners against Talanta.

During the Rangers match Victor Ochieng’ opened the scores after blasting home in the fourth minute and then set up Joseph Nyagah to score the second in the 89th minute.

It was an important win for Rangers who take their points tally to 40. The losers are 15th on the log with 20 points and should blame themselves for not scoring at least a goal due to the many wasted chances. The team came into life especially in the second half but should blame themselves for poor finishing.

Zoo Kericho will have Bernard Wanguche to thank for scoring the lone goal against Nzoia United.

On the other hand, Ibrahim Kitawi netted a brace to help Kariobangi Sharks slay Talanta 2-0.

In Mombasa, Modern Coast Rangers edged Nairobi Stima 1-0 in another lower league tie.

Modern Coast dominated the game earning their only goal in the 41st minute through Emmanuel Onyancha.

The league has been dealt a major blow after Naivasha based side Finlays announced they are pulling out due to financial challenges. Finalys wrote to FKF PL last week indicating their inability to honour matches.

FKF clubs have fallen on hard times following the suspension of the league’s sponsorship by MP&Silva.