Kibra United turn to ex-Kenyan International after severing ties with Masika

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One side Kibra United have appointed former Kenya International Edward Karanja Mwangi as their new head coach, after parting ways with Shaban Masika following a dismal start to the season, Mozzart Sport can strongly report.

In an official statement on Monday night, the Division One club announced that they had cut short their engagement with the club head coach Masika, who joined them at the start of the season, after a shaky start to the campaign and were on a look for a qualified expert to take over the third-tier money bags.

Kibra, who are in their second season in the third division, have had a tough campaign so far that leaves them fifteenth on the 16-team table with four points after seven league matches.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, the club Secretary General Salim Kahindi revealed that all the papers work between the club and former Tusker FC man had been finalized and will contact his first training session on Tuesday morning.

“It is true Mwangi is our new head coach and will be taking the team through the training session on Tuesday morning,” he said.

The club boss further added that the tactician's vast experience in the third division, having previously handled Liberty Sports Academy, is what inspired the management to his signature and will be tasked with getting them out of the red zone as well as scaling higher the table.

Darajani Gogo goalkeeper sets sights on Golden Glove after weekend heroics

Who is Edward Njoroge Mwangi?

Edward Karanja, born in 1974 in Kawangware, began his football journey at Kawangware Sports Club. He played for the club until 1994 before joining AFC Leopards in 1995 at the age of 19. After a brief stint with Tusker in 1996, he turned professional with Fanja FC in the Oman Premier League. Karanja returned to Tusker a year later, spending seven years with the Ruaraka-based club.

During his time at Tusker, Karanja achieved significant success, winning the league in 1999 and the East and Central tournament in Kigali in 2000 and 2001. He served as the captain when they clinched the league title.

In 1997, Karanja received a national team call-up and played alongside notable players like Musa Otieno ‘Otero’ and Mike Okoth. He represented the Stars for six years until 2003 when he was dropped from the team.

Transitioning to coaching, Karanja started at the National Youth Talent Academy and also coached Boma FC at Kawangware Sports Club. His coaching career continued with various teams, including an upcoming assignment with Harr Harr Nation against Kibera Soccer.