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The Nairobian

FKF terminates Migne’s contract on mutual consent

Football

By Rodgers Eshitemi | Aug 12, 2019

**Former Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]**

Football Kenya Federation have parted ways with Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne.

The writing was already on the wall and it was just a matter of time before both parties prematurely ended their three-year marriage.

Though the Frenchman recently led Kenya to African Nations Cup finals in Egypt after a 15-year wait, his position had become untenable following poor tactical approach and questionable fielding of players.

And barely a week after daring the federation to fire him following Harambee Stars' elimination from the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Nick Mwendwa led office has acted by terminating Migne's contract.

Kenya was knocked out of the local-based players' tournament by Tanzania's Taifa Stars, who beat them 4-1 on penalties at Kasarani Stadium on August 4 after both sides drew 0-0 in regular time of the return leg tie.

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The first leg in Dar es Salaam was also goalless. In a statement signed by FKF acting Secretary General Barry Otieno, both parties agreed on how to settle the remainder of the Frenchman's contract.

"Football Kenya Federation and Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne have agreed to terminate the coach’s contract on mutual consent. Consequently, FKF and Migne have agreed on a settlement for the coach, over a period of time," read part of the statement.

"The federation wishes to thank coach Migne for his exemplary work and high standard of professionalism during his tenure, which culminated in the country qualifying for the 2019 AFCON tournament for the first time in 15 years."

Otieno said the federation is searching for Migne's replacement.

"The reorganisation and appointment process for a new technical bench is already underway and the team to steer the Harambee Stars forward will be announced shortly," said Otieno.

"We wish the coach all the best in his future endeavors, even as we focus on the upcoming 2021 AFCON qualifiers."

Migne, who was reportedly earning Sh1.5 million per month, was appointed Harambee Stars coach in May 2018, replacing Stanley Okumbi who had endured a bad spell.

But the 46-year-old tactician appeared to have shot himself on the foot after he fell out with majority of the fans over his tactics and selection criteria.

And to make matters worse, Migne personally attracted trouble when he said he would not resign after the CHAN upset as it would difficult for FKF to pay the remainder of his three year contract.

"Resigning is the last thing I can talk about right now. You will have to check that with my president because I'm still under contract," Migne said then.

"But I think if it's already difficult to me my salaries, will they pay the remainder of my contract? I'm a hard worker, but it is just difficult today because we didn't qualify."

Harambee Stars finished third in Group C with three points at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. They lost 2-0 in their opening match against eventual winners Algeria, before bouncing back to defeat Tanzania 3-2 in their second encounter.

They then lost 3-0 to Senegal in their final group match.