Tusker coach Kimanzi steps aside

SOFAPAKA VS TUSKER KPL MATCH Tusker FC Coach Francis Kimanzi congratulate players at the bench during KPL Match against Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, July 18, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO.

After months of speculations over the future of Francis Kimanzi at Tusker, the Dutch-trained coach has finally stepped aside as the ten-time Sportpesa Premier League champions’ coach due to poor performance.

The former Harambee Stars and Sofapaka coach who succeeded Robert Matano at the end of the 2013 season will be replaced by his immediate former assistant Leonard Odipo.

Club chairman James Musyoki said Kimanzi, whose contract is due to expire this December has agreed to step aside with immediate effect following a string of poor results that culminated in last weekend’s elimination from the GOtv Shield by minnows Nzoia United.

The brewers’ poor form in the league has seen them slip down the log and are now tied on 38 points with seventh placed AFC Leopards following their 3-2 defeat to Muhoroni Youth in their last league match.

“Kimanzi has stepped aside, but has not been sacked. He has really been trying to work hard, but results are not coming. Nobody influenced him and it was important for him to take a leave. He voluntarily decided to step aside to give others a chance. That doesn’t mean he has left the club, he is still our employee,” Musyoki told Feverpitch.

“We will review his contract after it expires in December. But at the moment, Odipo (Leonard) will be in charge of the team for the rest of the season. We lost the KPL title long time ago and we don’t go for numbers. Odipo’s job will be to ensure we retain the Top 8 trophy.”

Asked if they are interested in the services of former Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe, Musyoka played down the link with the Ugandan. Meanwhile Francis Baraza has been appointed Chemelil Sugar coach.