How former goal-getter turned tactician, Baraza is transforming Division One side
When John Baraza was fired as Sofapaka coach in December 2020 after an ignominious 3-0 loss to AFC Leopards, he found a new home in Division 1 side Equity Bank which has left an indelible mark in the just concluded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield Cup by reaching the semi finals
Baraza, who was appointed Sofapaka coach the previous year to replace Portuguese boss Divaldo Alves, was asked to step aside by the club president Elly Kalekwa over ‘indifferent’ results with Mike Mururi taking over on a temporary basis before Ken Odhiambo took up the job.
After parting ways with Batoto Ba Mungu where he had served both as a player and coach for several years, Baraza, would later be lured by Equity apparently due to his vast experience and he did not disappoint.
At Division 1, there has been a protracted battle ever since the team was promoted and as things stand in the current season, Equity are fourth on the log, trailing leaders Naivas by 12 points but with two matches at hand as they shift gears in search of the title.
In retrospect as regards the knock-out Shield Cup Equity had not been given any chance before Baraza’s mojo came fast and furious.
Fielding quality players like Evander Mieno, younger brother to Tusker midfielder Humphrey Mieno, Brighton Juma and goalkeeper Timothy “Kamwana” Ngugi, among others, Equity first vanquished hosts Kitale FC 2-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale before pulling off a similar win over Keroka Teachers Training College.
In the next fixture against fellow ‘nondescripts’ Vegpro of Naivasha (formerly Sher Agencies), Equity won 2-1 to set stage for involving matches against more experienced Betking Premier League sides.
“We were determined to prove a point and I guess that was why we forced Bandari to eat humble pie by edging them 1-0 in the pre-quarter final match in Ruaraka,” said Baraza.
He added: “I told my players there were no longer boys but men and they went ahead to give a torrid time to AFC Leopards in the semi finals and although we lost 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in normal time, I was satisfied with their performance.”
Although Equity lost 1-0 to another bigwig Bidco in the third place play-off, they had done enough to astound their critics and especially after they dominated ball possession.
