NAIROBI, Kenya, May 8- The management tussle at Harambee Stars took another twist Thursday when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) ordered assistant coach, James Nandwa, to rejoin the squad immediately.
Reports in Stars’ camp said Nandwa, who was recently fired from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side, AFC Leopards, was axed by head coach Adel Amrouche and was not involved in the selection of the squad that is preparing for the May 18 first-leg of 2015 Afcon preliminary round qualifier against Comoros.
In an unsigned statement dispatched to newsrooms in the evening FKF were categorical that Nandwa should stay on as the second in command to the Belgian.
“Assistant coach James Nandwa will immediately report to the national team training camp in Nairobi contrary to media reports indicating that he has been sacked by head coach Adel Amrouche.
“FKF President Sam Nyamweya clearly stated on Thursday that Nandwa remains the assistant coach, deputizing Amrouche as the national teams embarks on serious preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” the declaration read.
“We are not going to lose our focus on our preparations for the qualifiers due to unnecessary side shows and rumours regarding the composition of the technical bench,” it quoted FKF boss, Sam Nyamweya, as saying.
“Let it be noted by all that it’s FKF that appoints and dismisses members of the technical bench, it’s also the role of the Federation to develop and protect local coaches, Nandwa will continue discharging his duties as assigned by the Federation,” he allegedly added.
Nyamweya also stated they would soon hire a professional Team Manager to bolster the technical bench.
Unsubstantiated claims say Nandwa fell foul of his boss for ‘abandoning’ the national side when he was at the helm of Leopards before his eight-month reign was brought to an end at the KPL giants last month.
The fallen Ingwe coach is said to enjoy good ratings with the FKF boss who brooks no dissent.
