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The Nairobian

WHY NKATA LEFT TUSKER: Ugandan forced out of Ruaraka by Caf rules despite winning league

Football

By Gilbert Wandera | Dec 17, 2016

**Coach of the year Paul Nkata hold his trophie as he addresses during Sportpesa Premier League Awards 2016 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on Tuesday night 13/12/16.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO**

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) club licensing requirements has claimed its first casualty after Tusker coach Paul Nkata was forced to leave the club as he did not have a CAF Level B licence.

Nkata’s departure on Thursday moments after he had been crowned Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Coach of the Year left the football fraternity in shock.

The Ugandan has since joined Mombasa-based side, Bandari.

Tusker Chief Executive Officer Charles Obiny said they agreed to disengage with the coach over his lack of qualifications for CAF inter-club competitions.

By virtue of been league champions, Tusker will represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League competition next year.

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“We did not sack him. We simply agreed to part ways and for a good reason. He only holds a Level C licence, but for a coach to handle a team in the CAF championships, we need someone with at least Level B licence,” Obiny said.

He added: “This is a decision that was made long time ago. We were prepared for it and are now looking at a few coaches to replace him. Interviews will be conducted new week and we hope to have an able replacement.”

Obiny declined to name potential candidates to replace the Ugandan only insisting that a few local coaches and others from Rwanda and Ghana have been called for interviews.

Other reports have it that former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards coach Zdravko Logarusic could also be heading to Ruaraka.

Nkata had on Tuesday hinted at an imminent departure from the brewers when he said that his future was unknown.

“I came here a few years ago and have been at Nairobi City Stars and Muhoroni Youth. No one knows my next destination,” he said after receiving the top award after an outstanding season with the brewers where he won a double.

He joined Tusker at the start of the season after a successful stint at Muhoroni Youth last season. Muhoroni made history by finishing the league in sixth position for the first time since being promoted and with it qualified to play in the KPL Top 8 tournament which they went on to win.

The news of Nkata’s resignation was received with shock by Tusker captain James Situma. “I have not spoken to him, but it raises a lot of questions when a coach resigns after winning a double. I have not spoken to the other players to judge their mood but I am sure everyone is shocked and in suspense,” he said.

CAF has made it mandatory for clubs taking part in its competitions to be licensed by their respective federations. But before getting the vital document, the clubs must meet certain stringent conditions. The requirement for licensing has also been extended to the KPL clubs.