Tom Juma (right) in apast SPL match.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Muhoroni Youth Chairman Moses Adagala says the club is open to handing stand-in coach Tom Juma a permanent contract as head coach if his performance in the remaining five games convince them he is the right man for the job.
Juma took over on interim basis for the second time this season after Muhoroni parted ways with legendary Harambee Stars defender John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla following a spate of poor results.
“It is up to him to show us that he is the right man to handle the team next year. We are open to it and if he shows that he can handle everything well and results speak for him, then we will consider him for a contract next year,” Adagala told Capital Sport.
Ogolla was sacked on Friday after discussions with the club’s top hierarchy, a decision that comes in the wake of the club’s poor performance in the Kenyan Premier League where they are placed ninth.
In 10 Premier League matches he was in charge, Ogolla only managed two wins, losing four and drawing a similar number.
“We sat down with him because we were concerned that the team was not doing well. Before he came on, the team under Juma was doing well and we even qualified for the final of the Top Eight. It was a mutual decision reached after all analysis,” Adagala added.
Ogolla said he was proud of his tenure at the club and said he will be taking a short rest before embarking on a search for a new job.
“Football is a way of life for me and it does not stop here. I do not regret taking over the Muhoroni job and I am proud of whatever I did while there. I just wish the team all the best,” Ogolla said.
Juma, a former Harambee Stars midfielder is standing in for the second time, having also been called upon when the team dismissed former coach James Omondi who now handles second tier side Palos FC.
The tactician believes the team still has a chance of finishing in the top five, which was their pre-season target.
“If you look at the difference between us and number five is only five points. We have 15 points to fight for before the season ends. We will give everything to see that we can be able to achieve what we planned for. It is not easy, but I am up to the task,” Juma stated.
The coach has admitted the recent instability around the playing unit with a section of players accusing the club of mistreating them has caused their recent slump, but admits they will put the same behind their backs and focus on getting back on track.
The sugar belt side has a tough bend in the final five matches of the season as they play at home to Mathare United on Wednesday, travel to Nairobi to face Sofapaka and Ushuru, a home match against champions Gor Mahia and the season ender against AFC Leopards in Nairobi.
They will also contest the KPL Top Eight final on Sunday against Gor in Nairobi.
