Muhoroni Youth head coach Paul Nkata with his players during their SportPesa Premier League match against Tusker FC on October 2. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.
NAIROBI, November 6 – Muhoroni Youth head coach, Paul Nkata is set to join Kenyan Premier League ten-time champions, Tusker FC to replace Francis Kimanzi who stepped aside last month after a string of poor results.
George Owoko is tipped to assist the Ugandan who guided Muhoroni to a sixth finish in the SportPesa Premier League with the two being offered a two-year deal.
According to club chairman, James Musyoki, talks are at an advanced stage that could see the two report to work December 1 to take the team through the pre-season as the Brewers seek to return to their glory days that saw them last lift the national title in 2012.
“We are in discussions with him (Nkata) and other coaches because we want to employ a new coach before December. We have shortlisted six coaches who will come for the interview next week.
“Of those who applied, he (Nkata) has an upper hand because of his qualification and the work he has done for Muhoroni but we are yet to finalize on the matter,” Musyoki told Capital Sport on Friday.
On his part, Nkata hopes the deal will materialise that will see him become the second foreign head coach to manage Tusker after Tony Banfield guided the team, then referred as Kenya Breweries FC to the 1991Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup title.
“Yes they approached me and we have been in talks for a while. I’m set to go for the interview 1st of December but for now I’m still with Muhoroni until we finish our GOtv matches.
“I’m praying all goes well and if I’m considered well and good but if I’m not then I will remain at Muhoroni,” Nkanta, a former Uganda Premier League’s SC Villa and URA tactician declared.
Owoko, a Confederation of African Football License ‘C’ holder is set to replace, Leonard Odipo who was elevated as interim head coach when Kimanzi, a UEFA-B coaching license-holder and former Harambee Stars boss decided to relinquish his position.
Odipo who has a CAF ‘A’ License, took over after the team was dumped out of the GOtv Shield round of 16 by second tier side Nzoia United but failed to better Kimanzi when he saw his charges bundled out of the Top 8 semi-finals by SportPesa Premier League Champions,Gor Mahia.
“Nobody wants to sleep hungry so I’m hoping to retain the job. We will see how it goes since I believe I have done my best,” Odipo, along serving Team Manager underscored after losing 2-1 to K’Ogalo on Wednesday.
In five matches Odipo has been in charge, he has won two and lost two (both against Gor Mahia) and drawing one.
Nkata has experience in the league, having coached Nairobi City Stars before joining the Sugar Millers where he recorded eight wins, five draws and one loss14 matches with Gor ending their unbeaten second leg on the last day of the campaign, losing 2-0.
