Weight too heavy for Wazito FC, where did it all go wrong?

Analysis, Ernest Mkalla

That Kenya Premier League moneybags Wazito FC are feeling the heat is not a  secret anymore.

When they got readmission to the top-tier league at the beginning of this term, they had lofty dreams. Club owner Ricardo Badoer pulled all stops to ensure the club would punch above its weight. With his arrival and the finances flowing freely, marquee signings soon found their way to the club – the highlight arrivals being that of Burundian captain Karim Nizigiyimana and Rwandan left back Abouba Sibomana.

It did not end there though for the ambitious Badoer as in his typical generosity he bought the team a state-of-the-art bus so as they could travel in style,  and enjoy the comfort whenever they travelled for their games.

But two months down and 7 games in the season, the future does not look good at all. In fact the centre cannot hold!

Let’s analyse it: With the purse strings loose, they have managed just seven points in as much number of games. This translates to  2 defeats, 4 draws and a measly 1 win. Who would want that after massive investment?

In fact the club boss has been left scratching his head.

And to put matters into perspective, he sent his technical bench packing last week firing technical director Stanley Okumbi and head coach Fred Ambani.

Many thought that with these changes they could soon find their footing. But alas! Today, Hamisi Mohammed, the soft-spoken man with a gentlemanly demeanour also felt that enough was enough and as such tendered his resignation making the already dicey situation too hot to handle as they head to this weekend’s league clash with Sony Sugar, at home.

“I am no longer Wazito’s football club assistant coach effective Monday. I will not reveal the reason behind my decision but it was a good experience to work for this club. I wish them all the best going forward,” Mohammed told Citizen Digital.

Hamisi was appointed as the club’s assistant coach in March 2019 following the elevation of Fred Ambani to the head coach role.

This was after the sacking of former Modern Coast Rangers coach Ahmed Muhammed Mchulla.

Hamisi was on the touchline when his side was held to a goalless draw by Posta Rangers over the weekend and it is not clear whether a new appointment will be made to fill the void he’s left.

New coach American Melis Medo can hopefully register his first win when his side takes on struggling Sony Sugar FC who has already given two walkovers.

Wazito CEO Dennis Gicheru hailed the new coach stating that the club has full confidence in him. He added that the management will accord him all the necessary support to ensure that he is successful.

Medo arrived in Kenya in 2017 before landing a role as the Nakumatt FC assistant coach, and a year later was promoted after head coach Anthony Mwangi left the club.

He then went to Sofapaka FC before returning to Nakumatt FC, now rebranded as Mount Kenya United where he oversaw the team’s relegation from the top flight last term in a season blighted by their financial problems.

Having lots of resources on and off the pitch and unwavering support from their ever demanding club owner Ricardo Badoer, many had expected Wazito to make a strong impact and challenge for the title.

However, being three places above the danger zone, the club’s management was forced to act quickly by firing Okumbi and Ambani who reportedly had a frosty relationship.

Reports have it that they had a training ground spat over squad selection a few days ahead of their 4-2 loss against Kakamega Homeboyz imid October in Machakos.