‘Ghost’ Mulee set for surprise return after ‘bitter fallout’ between FKF bosses, departing tactician
Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee is expected to be unveiled this morning as the new Harambee Stars head coach after Francis Kimanzi was sacked yesterday by Football Kenya Federation.
Although FKF issued a letter claiming Kimanzi left by mutual consent, its understood the coach had underlying issues with federation bosses.
Kimanzi ditched Stars barely a month before the team meets Comoros in an African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match.
The former Mathare United tactician parted ways with Stars only days after FKF held its national elections in which Nick Mwendwa retained the president’s seat to serve for another four-year term.
A communique signed by FKF chief executive officer Barry Otieno indicated that the resignation by Kimanzi together with a section of his boardroom staff was by mutual consent.
“Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi and part of his boardroom staff have left the national team by mutual consent.
The federation is immensely grateful to coach Kimanzi and his departing members of staff that include assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno and goalkeepers’ trainers Lawrence Webo for their exemplary work, dedication and unrivaled professionalism which has strengthened Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the 2022 Afcon final tournament,’’ read the letter.
The federation went ahead to wish KImanzi and his backroom staff the best of luck in their future plans.
“All at the federation wish them well in their future endeavors, this even as the search for a replacement to take the national team forward begins in earnest.
There will be no further comment from FKF until a new appointment is made in the coming days,” the statement concluded.
Kimanzi’s resignation came as a shocker to football fans especially after he guided Stars to a 2-1 win over the Zambian national team (Chipolopolo) in an international friendly 10 days ago in Nairobi which served as build-up for the assignment against Comoros.
Mulee first took charge of Kenya between 2003 and 2004,including at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.
Mulee returned for a brief second spell in 2005, which lasted just one day from 16 to 17 December. mMulee returned to Kenya for a third time in March 2007.
Mulee’s fourth stint in charge of Kenya began in September 2010 but he quit the role in December 2010 following a run of three defeats in the 2010 Cecafa Cup.
