Why Modo left Ingwe
For insiders, it did not come as a shocker as to why the youthful AFC Leopards interim coach Anthony Kimani resigned on Sunday evening just moments after a drab Mashemeji Derby with Gor Mahia.
The former Kenyan international, popularly referred to as Modo, was said to be an extremely frustrated man and was leaving on borrowed time at the 13-time Kenya champions.
Despite a stellar campaign in the BetKing Premier League which sees Ingwe sit fourth on the log with 19 points after nine matches, many were caught unawares following the abrupt departure of the much-loved tactician who is said to have had a very warm relationship with his charges.
After the goalless draw in the 90th derby meeting, the suited coach walked into his changing room and delivered the shocking news to his team. It was evident that Kimani was increasingly feeling unappreciated and undervalued.
Rumours have it that Modo, the former Ingwe player who joined the technical bench in 2019 as an assistant to Rwandese tactician Andre Casa Mbungo (currently at Bandari FC) felt used.
Those close to the man who had dedicated two-and-a-half years of his time helping sharpening the Ingwe side felt all credit was either being taken by the management or those he worked with at the bench.
After Mbungo left in 2020, Modo held forte for a while before former Township Rollers coach (in the Botswana Premier League) Thomas Trucha came in at the beginning of the season only to last one match given apparent interference by outside forces.
It was back to Modo who had created great rapport with his players, building a winning team and helping get the best out of the likes of former Wazito forward Elvis Rupiah who is on a roll with 10 goals so far.
Despite the office led by Dan Shikanda having previously insisted that Modo who has CAF-C coaching certification was going to be sponsored by the club to upgrade his badges, those in the know have it on record that Modo was not entirely convinced.
The man just wanted a little bit of appreciation, for example a good contract.
Word from well-placed sources say things got worse once Ingwe contracted former Simba SC Belgian gaffer Patrick Aussems.
Modo said: “At least, we have improved the squad and I believe that he can challenge for the title.
Aussems has inherited a very good squad, I believe that he can take it places.
At the moment, I will relax and weigh my options, I have not decided yet what to do,” said the former Mathare United, AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars captain.
