Bandari boot Nkata, unveil Odhiambo as new coach

Unsettled Bandari has appointed Kenneth Odhiambo as their  new head coach after parting ways with Ugandan Paul Nkata.

Bandari’s chairman of the Board of Trustees, Salim Sumra, confirmed the new changes after relieving the Ugandan of his duties, just one year into the job.

“We wish to confirm coach Ken Odhiambo as the new head coach of Bandari Football Club. Coach Odhiambo assumes his duties with immediate effect and will be assisted by Nassor Mwakoba, with Twahir Muhiddin remaining as the technical director,” said Salim.

Nkata joined Bandari in January 2017 after guiding Tusker to a 2016 season double; winning the Kenya Premier League title and the GOtv-Shield .

He however failed to replicate the feat with the Dockers who finished a distant tenth in Premier League on 43 points, way below the initial target of a top five finish, and that might have led to his sacking.

Odhiambo joined Bandari as an assistant coach under Twahir Muhiddin on August 19, 2014 after being sacked as Harambee Stars assistant coach.

The former Nairobi City Stars tactician has previously handled Gor Mahia. He was booted out of  Stars technical bench after the team failed to book a slot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages.

Paul Nkata who had one year remaining in his contract with the club, had initially coached Nairobi City Stars and Muhoroni Youth, before leading Tusker to the memorable  season double.

On the playing unit, Bandari intends to sign AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ian Otieno whose contract with the GOtv- Shield champions expires at the end of next month.

The former Posta Rangers man will officially be unveiled immediately the transfer window opens.

Bandari has been conducting trials since the beginning of the week with an aim of signing players who will help the team attain a top five finish next season.

Bandari scored just 34 goals last season, averaging a goal per game. They have already released forwards Jacob Kelly, Noah Abich and Enock Agwanda.