A look at the 11 coaching changes made in the 2024/2025 FKFPL season
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Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 02.07.25. | 18:28
Leopards endured a lengthy winless run and ultimately finished sixth with 51 points
As the curtain fell on the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season, one trend stood out: numerous clubs made significant coaching changes, either in pursuit of better results or after losing their tacticians to rival teams.
This is a common phenomenon in global football, and Kenya is no exception.
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From mid-season sackings to strategic appointments, the coaching merry-go-round had a major impact on club performances.
Mozzart Sport takes a closer look at the teams that made managerial switches and how those changes shaped their campaigns.
Etienne sparks a historic title win for Kenya Police FC
In November 2024, with only a win in eight matches, Kenya Police made a bold move by replacing Salim Babu with Burundian tactician Etienne Ndayiragije.
Babu had led the side to a Mozzart Bet Cup triumph the previous season, but with the team languishing in 17th place, change was necessary.
Etienne sparked a remarkable turnaround, winning nine of his next ten matches and leading Police to their first-ever league title ,in what is arguably the most impactful coaching change in league history.
Gor Mahia: A tumultuous season on the bench
Gor Mahia began the season under Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva, who was dismissed by November due to poor results.
Zedekiah ' Zico' Otieno took over, but failed to stabilize the team, prompting the club to bring in Croatian coach Sinisa Mihic in February.
After a goalless draw against Murang’a Seal in May, Mihic left the club, with Zico returning in an interim capacity.
However, Gor ended the season trophyless, missing out on both the league and the Mozzart Bet Cup.
On Wednesday, Zico and his back room staff were shown the door.
Kakamega Homeboyz: Baraza steadies the ship
Homeboyz started with Ken Kenyatta as head coach, but a sluggish start saw him dismissed within two months.
Francis Baraza took over and successfully turned the team’s fortunes around, guiding them to a commendable third-place finish.
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Shabana FC: From relegation battlers to title contenders
Sammy 'Pamzo' molo began the season at Shabana after helping the team survive relegation last season.
But a slow start led to his exit just two months in.
Peter Okidi, assisted by Bernard Mwalala, took charge and transformed Shabana into one of the league’s most entertaining teams.
They briefly entered the title race but eventually finished fifth, a dramatic improvement from their previous relegation battle.
AFC Leopards: Change, but no revival
AFC Leopards started with Czech coach Tomas Trucha, who was dismissed in November after a loss to Shabana.
Fred Ambani stepped in, but the results did not improve significantly.
Leopards endured a lengthy winless run and ultimately finished sixth with 51 points.
Sofapaka FC: Matano in, Akwana carries on
Veteran coach Robert Matano was hired by Sofapaka after leaving Tusker, assembling a youthful squad that caused major upsets despite initial struggles.
In January, Matano left for Tanzanian side of Fountain Gate, with his assistant Ezekiel Akwana taking over.
Despite financial challenges, Akwana led the team to a respectable seventh-place finish.
KCB FC: Bright start fizzles out
KCB appointed Patrick Odhiambo before the season, with the team briefly topping the standings early into the season.
However, a dip in form saw him suspended for two games before the season ended. Sam Koko took over but managed only a draw and a loss in his two matches in charge.
Murang’a Seal: From chaos to cup glory
The club began the season with Juma Abdallah, who was sacked in December.
Assistant John Njogu took over but failed to win a single match in ten outings, leading to his dismissal.
In April, Yusuf Chipo was brought in and managed to steady the ship, saving the club from relegation and leading them to a third-place finish in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Mara Sugar FC: Survival courtesy of a veteran
George Midenyo started the season as Mara Sugar’s coach, but was suspended in January.
He would part ways with the club the following month.
Benedict Wanjala briefly took charge, but results did not improve.
In May, the club turned to veteran coach Edward Manoah, who helped them avoid relegation and guided them to a fourth-place finish in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Posta Rangers: Pamzo secures Posta's top-flight status
Posta Rangers began the season with Bernard Kawinzi, but poor results and internal issues led to his dismissal in January.
Pamzo took over and, despite inconsistent results, managed to secure a promotion and relegation playoff spot.
They beat Naivas FC 2-0 in the first leg, but lost 1-0 in the return leg.
Subsequently, the Mailmen retained their place at the top-tier.
Nairobi City Stars: A season to forget
City Stars started with Nicholas Muyoti at the helm, but after a difficult first half of the season, he resigned in January following a 2-1 loss to Posta Rangers.
Salim Babu took over, but despite his efforts, the team was relegated after finishing at the bottom of the table.
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