NAIROBI, December 8- New Posta Rangers head coach John Kamau has been set lofty targets Wednesday after assuming leadership of the newly promoted top flight side after years in the top and mid table comfort of Thika United.
Having spent his playing and prior coaching days at Thika Municipal Stadium, Kamau has the challenge of working in a result-oriented set up for the first time in his career after distinguishing himself by nurturing young talent at his former station.
“We achieved all targets had set for this past season and we need to put new ones. With the new coach and breed of players that we have brought into the team, I believe our target should be finishing within the top five and winning the GOtv Shield after reaching the final this season,” Rangers chairman, Tonui declared when unveiling the new man at the helm in Nairobi.
Kamau believes he is up to the task and adding he signed a two-year contract with Rangers.
“Before, I have worked with a team with a small budget and we still managed to get good results. This time I am working with a team of a relatively bigger budget and I cannot doubt my ability with them,” he charged.
“I came here to get a new challenge because as a coach you always want to grow. I have spent most of my years at Thika United; I have been there as a player, moved on as a goalkeeper trainer all the way to the top.
“I have achieved a lot with Thika especially with the players we have managed to mould. It is time for me to take a bigger challenge. I am happy to get the opportunity and further more because Rangers believed in me. It is a long journey but the right place for me,” he added in tribute to his former side that he led to the top 8 pending the outcome of the protracted Sony Sugar versus AFC Leopards tie.
“We looked at his philosophy and his plan and also having had evidence of his success with young players, we saw him fit for our long term plans. We want someone who can not only build a team for today, but for the future,” Tonui explained how the new boss beat his rivals for the seat.
George Maina who took over temporarily after Leonard Saleh was relieved of the job will be Kamau’s assistant and he says he is happy working with a tactician he describes as one of the best in the country.
-Five new players-
Rangers at the same time unveiled five new players and disclosed they are in talks with four others as they seek to build up for the new season.
They have signed two defenders in Sony Sugar’s Charles Odette who was voted second best defender of the 2014 KPL season and KCB’s left back John ‘Tommy’ Odhiambo.
Out of favour custodian from AFC Leopards; Patrick Matasi and Shabaan Odhoji from relegated Nakuru All Stars join in goal with striker Nicholas Ayega from Nairobi Stima and Harambee Stars player Geoffrey Kataka rejoins the team after two years with Kenya Revenue Authority.
“We are in talks with Thika United for David King’atua, we are also talking to AFC Leopards to see whether we can get Bernard Mang’oli while we are also chasing after Chemelil’s Georson Likonoh. We are also looking at bringing in Stephen Odhiambo who plays in the South African second Division,” Tonui revealed.
The players have not only recruited to the team but hired by the Postal Corporation of Kenya on permanent and pensionable basis, a key motivating factor.
Tonui disclosed that the total sponsorship package for the team is Sh24million per year.
Kataka who turned down offers from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards said; “Most of these teams only want you when you are up there, but when your form dips a bit, then you are dispensed. It is different with rangers because you get a job as well and that is a great thing for any player in the KPL.”
For the new season, Rangers will be using the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret as their home ground with Nyayo Stadium a preferred second choice.
