Internal wrangles pushes NSL title-winning coach out of Mara Sugar
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 19.08.25. | 18:27
Reports indicate that differences with current head coach Edward Manoah had escalated in recent weeks, with claims of internal sabotage further straining relations
Mara Sugar FC’s 2024 National Super League (NSL) title-winning coach, Benedict Wanjala, has officially left the Kilgoris-based club, bringing to an end his one-and-a-half-year stay.
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According to sources close to the team, Wanjala’s departure was triggered by simmering tensions within the technical bench, culminating in a crisis meeting on Monday evening, where the decision was reached to part ways with him.
Reports indicate that differences with current head coach Edward Manoah had escalated in recent weeks, with claims of internal sabotage further straining relations.
“This morning after training, the head coach announced to the players that Coach Benedict Wanjala has left the club,” a source told Mozzart Sport on condition of anonymity.
Wanjala first joined Mara Sugar in January 2024, taking over from Vincent Nyaberi. He immediately etched his name into the club’s history books by guiding them to a maiden FKF Premier League (FKFPL) promotion.
His crowning achievement came at the end of the 2023/24 season when he led the side to their first-ever NSL title, edging out Mathare United by two points with an impressive tally of 84.
However, despite his success, Wanjala faced hurdles due to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) directive on coaching licence requirements, which stipulate that only holders of a CAF A licence can serve as head coaches at the top level.
With Mara Sugar forced to comply, Wanjala was demoted back to his previous role of assistant in August 2024, as the club appointed George Midenyo to lead the side.
The coaching carousel at Mara continued into 2025. Wanjala briefly returned as caretaker head coach in January after Midenyo was dismissed following a poor run of results.
But in May, veteran tactician Manoah was appointed to steady the ship, eventually helping Mara Sugar narrowly retain their top-flight status on the final day of the campaign.
Wanjala’s exit adds to a wave of backroom changes at Mara in recent months.
In July, shortly after resuming pre-season preparations, the club quietly cut ties with assistant coach Ben Bella, who joined alongside Midenyo in August 2024 and long-serving goalkeeper trainer James Odhiambo, who was instrumental in the team’s rise.
The technical bench has since been restructured, with Francis Xavier named assistant coach, Godfrey Naibei taking charge as trainer, and former KCB goalkeeper coach Charles ‘Korea’ Omondi drafted in to oversee goalkeeping duties.
