Tusker re-appoints Maina as new assistant coach

FILE: George Maina [Courtesy- Tusker FC]

Football Kenya Federation Premeir League leaders Tusker FC have named George Maina as their new assistant head coach.

Maina will be replacing Charles Okere who left the role to join Football Kenya Federation as the head coach of the national women football team, Harambee Starlets.

Prior to taking his new role at Tusker’s dugout, Maina was the head coach at National Division One outfit Naivas FC and returns to the club after seven years, having worked in the same capacity in 2013.

Speaking after his re-appointment, Maina who referred to Tusker as ‘home’ said he is looking forward to working with the team ahead of FKF Premier League resumption.

“Tusker is like home to me because I have been here for many years as a player and as a coach. I am glad to be back. When coach Matano asked whether I could come work with him, I couldn’t say no. I have worked with him before, he has coached me as a player and he is a person I hugely respect.”

Tusker head coach Robert Matano said he is happy to continue working with Maina and hopefully we win more trophies together.

Chairman Daniel Aduda applauded the departed Okere for his professionalism and work ethic to the team, adding that they are now looking forward to work with Maina.

“First, we are really grateful to Charles Okere for his service to the team, his professionalism and work ethic has been commendable. We are pleased with his progress because being named as the national team head coach is not an easy thing. We wish him all the best in his new endeavor.”

“George Maina is a club legend having achieved so much at Tusker both as a player and as a coach. We are pleased to have him in and better because he knows the fabric of the club and it will not be hard for him to get started. I want to wish him all the best as he starts his job and hopefully we win trophies together,” said Aduda.

Chief Executive Officer Charles Obiny added: “We are pleased to welcome George back to the team. We had a good time working with him before and he comes back to continue from where he left.”

Tusker lead the 2021 FKF Premier League standings with 36 points, six points above KCB in second place ahead of the expected return of play later his month.

Boniface Muchiri is the club’s top scorer with six goals scored by the time the local league was suspended in March due to Covid 19. Timothy Otieno follows with five goals.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said resumption of sports activities will be guided by regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports.