South Coast Pirates unveil ex-KCB star Khadambi as new head coach

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Sep 12, 2025
South Coast Pirates unveil ex-KCB star Khadambi as new head coach.[Courtesy]

South Coast Pirates RFC have confirmed the appointment of Tony "Lujesi" Khadambi as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship season.

Khadambi, a familiar name in Kenyan rugby, brings with him a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.

His playing career saw him turn out for top clubs including Impala, KCB, and Homeboyz, as well as the Kenya U20 (Chipu) 7s side, where he captained the team.

After hanging up his boots, he established himself as a respected coach, guiding Moi University Arsonists to success, working with Uganda's Tororo Crest and Jinja Hippos, and dedicating time to grassroot rugby development across the region.

At Pirates, Khadambi will be tasked with raising the team's competitiveness in the Championship while also nurturing young talent from the Coast region.

The club says his philosophy matches the Pirates' values of ambition, resilience, and community spirit.

"We are delighted to welcome Coach Khadambi on board," read a statement from the club's management.

"His passion for the game, deep understanding of player development, and commitment to community rugby make him the right fit as we chart the next chapter of our journey."

Khadambi admitted he was humbled by the appointment and recalled his earlier brief stint with the club as an important moment in shaping his decision.

"Honestly, I was both surprised and humbled to be selected among many strong candidates for this role. Having previously spent two weeks with the Pirates earlier in the year, I saw first-hand the hunger and potential in the squad," he said.

"That experience planted a seed, and I felt this was a team I could contribute to in a meaningful way. Now that I have been given the trust, my focus is to give my all and serve the club with the dedication it deserves."

Share this story
Stage set for World U20 Champs trials
The World Under-20 Championships are scheduled for August 2–9, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Ingo derby now a huge test for AFC Leopards' title credentials
Leopards to pile pressure on Gor with a win against Homeboyz.
Okong'o leads experienced boxers into finals
Africa Boxing Championships middleweight champion Edwin Okong’o stormed into the finals in the first leg of the National Boxing League in Nakuru yesterday.
Senators raise questions over Sh45.8 billion Talanta Sports City Stadium project again
Sports CS Mvurya and PS Mwangi are at pains to explain the sudden increase in construction costs.
Why Kerubo is now the next big thing in Kenyan weightlifting
Ever-blazing Mercy Kerubo is literally on fire! Just at 16, she has proved her mettle in her first attempt at the African Weightlifting Championships, ongoing in Ismailia, Egypt.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS