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Odipo out, Maina in: Mathare United confirm coaching change
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 20.03.24. | 12:30
Club says Odipo's decision was mutual, thanks him for his "full commitment and effort"
National Super League club Mathare United has confirmed the exit of departing head coach Leonard Odipo and installed his assistant, Jeff Maina as the interim man in charge “until further communication.”
The statement by the club comes hours after Mozzart Sport reported that Odipo, who was appointed at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, had “stepped down from his position following Mathare’s 3-0 loss to MCF FC on Sunday in Machakos.”
An anonymous player speaking to this publication in regards to the development said on Tuesday: “The coach expressed his frustration on Sunday after the defeat and announced his departure. It came as a shock to everyone, but that is what has happened. He was not present in training today, indicating that he has left.”
Mathare United however labeled his exit as “a mutual decision” but appreciated him for his “full commitment and effort.”
Club CEO Jecton Obure said: “While respecting Leonard Odipo’s desire to step aside, our club appreciates his full commitment and effort as our head coach. He is and will always remain a highly respected and admired member/senior coach in the MYSA/MUFC family.”
Replacing him in the dugout will be a familiar name in Maina, who is currently on his second stint at Mathare United, and is prominently remembered for leading Naivas to the 2021 Division 1 Zone A title that subsequently promoted them to the National Super League.
Maina’s first responsibility will be to finish the journey Odipo started; by helping build on their second place in the league and bounce back to the top tier.
His first game in charge will be on Saturday 23 March against Luanda Villa SC at Kasarani Annex Grounds.
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