Okoth begins 'new chapter' as boxing coach

Former ‘Hit Squad’ captain Nick Okoth has said he is enjoying his new but challenging role as national youth team coach.

Okoth who will turn 40 next month, retired in October 2022 and has since been added to the national coaching personnel by the Boxing Federation of Kenya.

“This is a new life because it’s a new chapter in my life in boxing. I cannot say that it's easy because you are dealing with players who are still learning the basics.

“There was a day when I was training the lads but decided to jog ten rounds with them, that’s when coach Benjamin Musa called me aside and told me that I am now a coach,” Okoth said.

His first assignment on the technical bench was guiding the young Hit Squad to Tanzania in mid-January where they emerged as the best team.

"I am very happy with my good start in this youth team as a coach after emerging as winners of the regional competition we were invited to Tanzania. We won four gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

“These young boxers listen to me a lot because they want to emulate my success. When we finish training, I talk to them freely and I see that it has helped them learn a lot from me.”