Move to re-instate Amrouche as Stars boss lauded

The expected return of Adel Amrouche at the helm of Harambee Stars to take over from the much-maligned Stanley Okumbi set the pulses racing across the country as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) attempted to quash the news when Citizen Digital exclusively let the cat out of the bag on Thursday morning.

Former Stars boss Twahir Muhiddin was among those who welcomed the news observing prior to the premature dismissal of the Belgian, Stars had started posting good results and he was in the process of building formidable side.

“He left too early and I think it’s good if he’s reinstated. Furthermore it will be good if this can help the federation avoid paying the large sum of money that he is demanding for the undue contract termination,” the Bandari FC Head Coach said.

With the new expanded technical bench also including a first, second and third coach as his assistants Muhiddin found no fault in the move if it translates to better results.

“It’s a trend I have noticed especially among teams from northern parts of Africa. For me I see no problem in that but only unity and cohesion among them will go a long way in ensuring they succeed.”

Tusker FC and Stars defender James Situma expressed optimism in the Belgian given his previous record.

“I have played under him for almost a year and I know he’s a top coach. His style is almost similar to that of Okumbi but with his experience in Africa I think he understands the game better. Having won CECAFA under him I can’t doubt his ability to perform,” he added.

On player discipline, the former Sofapaka ace described Amrouche as a no-nonsense coach who tolerates no sideshows, attributing the 2013 CECAFA success to his ability to instil discipline in the team.

“Before he left his aim was getting more players play outside Kenya, which is a good thing because it gives players exposure despite people’s mixed opinions others branding him as an agent.

“If you look at West African countries, they perform because of the many players they have in European leagues which can also build our national team if we had such players,” Situma who played in the first leg against Guinea Bissau where Kenya lost 1-0 added.

Former Stars team manager Willis Waliaula opined that Amrouche is capable of more than he did in his previous stint if allowed more time.

“He is a coach who commands authority and with support from his colleagues, he can grow our football.”

“I am happy that Amrouche is back to the team. I would request FKF to give him freedom to build up his own team and avoid choosing for him specific players.

“Okumbi will learn much from him as the first coach and I suggest that FKF accords him the total freedom to build a team of his choice,” football fan, Steven Omulama told.

“I prefer Amrouche as the head coach, looking at the last two matches where we have already lost, change will do the team good.

“Okumbi doesn’t have any impact to the team, I suggest he resigns and we get a replacement for him. Stars stands a better chance with Amrouche as the head coach. I’m happy he’s back to the team,” Reuben Kamau, a taxi operator in Nairobi added.

Okumbi did not comment when reached saying federation’s bosses were in a better position to speak on the development.

FKF President, Nick Mwendwa, did not deny or confirm the development saying the matter was “sensitive and can get legal.”

Citizen Digital reliably established Mwendwa was at Sports Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Hassan Wario’s offices on Thursday morning with President Uhuru Kenyatta said to be among those keenly interested in the return of the Belgian coach who is a UEFA Pro Licence trainer.

Mwendwa was due to meet Amrouche- who presented his case against unfair dismissal to world governing body FIFA 18-months after he was sacked when Kenya went down to Comoros in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers two years ago- later in the day.

His CEO Robert Muthomi and a section of local press trashed the report saying there was no substance in the re-hiring even as intense backroom negotiations spilled into the evening with FKF apprehensive they are being arm-twisted to take the Belgian back.

“Hiring a national team coach is not something that just happens overnight, if the federation has decide to hire there must be proper communication, hence the story that you (Citizen Digital) was not factual.

“Though a decision to hire head coach has not yet been made, so Stanley Okumbi remains as the first coach and the technical bench still remains the same,” Muthomi charged.

The topic dominated football social media forums for most of the day with majority in support while others casting doubt on the Citizen Digital exclusive.

Report by Jacob Icia and Charity Muturi