Starlets coach Kanyi disappointed with his ‘sacking’

Fired Harambee Starlets coach Richard Kanyi is not only disappointed but hurting too.

Kanyi who was elbowed out of the Starlets top job to create room for returning David Ouma has been given the boot after a year in the job, and barely two days after the team returned from Zambia where they’d played an international friendly match.

Kanyi, who took over from David Ouma in July 2017, had a remarkable run with the team, with his last assignment being a 3-0 victory over Zambia in an international friendly at the weekend.

However, before travelling to Zambia, Ouma, who was with the team during the African Women Cup of Nations in 2016, was redrafted in the team although Kanyi remained the main man on the bench.

Things turned sour upon their return, when Kanyi was officially told he has been redeployed to ‘unknown role’ to pave way for Ouma as the head coach.

“I was shocked to be told my role as the head coach has come to an end after the exemplary job I have done with the team. I am in pain with that decision although I have to accept.” Said Kanyi.

“I work in the federation hence I had no contract in my job as a coach, that’s how things have been working not only for me but other coaches in the federation,” Kanyi added.

Kanyi, however, is weighing his options on whether to return to his former women club or take another direction.

“Now I have to calm down then decide what to do next. I am looking forward to returning to my club Thika Queens which plays in the Women Premier League but I will make a  decision soon.”

David Ouma, a former Sofapaka and Posta Rangers coach, apart from leading the team through itfirst-everer African Women Cup of Nation held in 2016 in Yaoundé, Cameroon also guided the team to a runners-up place at the Cecafa women championship held in Uganda the same year.

Ouma who is fresh from a coaching course in Germany is primed to have his first session with Harambee Starlets Wednesday evening at their Machakos base as they prepare to host Uganda’s Crested Cranes on April 4 in AWCON qualifier.The continental showpiece will be held in Ghana next year.

On Ouma, Kanyi said: “Ouma is a good coach, very qualified and skilled, I wish him all the best and I believe he will continue with the good job I have been doing with the team”. Said Kanyi.