The Rise of Charles Okere: From MYSA to topping coaching class and leading Tusker FC
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 08.08.24. | 08:35
He later attended Ofafa Jericho High School for his secondary education, where the coaching bug bit him
Tusker FC has appointed Charles Okere Okoth as their interim head coach as they search for a permanent solution. This follows their parting ways with long-serving veteran coach Robert Matano, who has since joined Sofapaka FC.
Until his appointment, Okere was the head coach of Tusker's youth team. Previously, he held several coaching roles in different settings within the football ecosystem, including leading the women’s national team, Harambee Starlets.
“I am happy and proud to have coached the national team, which is not a walk in the park. I was very lucky to coach players who were disciplined both on and off the pitch. We worked hard and achieved much, which is why about 80% of them are now playing professional football outside the country,” said Okere.
Okere’s journey through the coaching ranks, starting at MYSA and leading a team to Norway, various coaching roles at Tusker, topping his CAF A class, and now at the helm of Tusker FC, is admirable. Mozzart Sport walks you through the journey of Okere Okoth.
Okere was born 42 years ago in Nairobi's Eastlands area, where he played football in the dusty fields growing up. He joined Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) at 14 years of age, playing for Daring FC under-14 boys in the Kariobangi South Zone. He later attended Ofafa Jericho High School for his secondary education, where he decided to pursue coaching.
“In high school, my teacher/coach Mr. Johnnen Makumi inspired me and pushed me to coaching,” stated Okere. After his education, Okere delved deeply into coaching, participating in various courses offered at MYSA, including:
Refereeing basic course
MYSA Basic/Intermediate/Advanced coaching courses
Sports and Administration course
Trainer of Trainers courses
MYSA/NFT football courses
Coach MYSA Talent Academy
Norway Cup Coach 2017
Leadership courses
Football for Health courses F MARC
In 2017, he led the Kenyan MYSA team that competed in the Norway Cup in Brumunddal, Norway, an experience he says sharpened his coaching skills.
“Norway Cup was a great experience for players and coaches. It sharpened my scouting skills and game insight. It was also a great motivation for players to develop their talents.”
Okere then joined Tusker FC as an assistant coach. His fortunes grew when he was called to lead the Harambee Starlets in April 2021 following the departure of David Ouma. He enjoyed his experience as the Starlets’ head coach.
“Coaching the national team is not easy. However, I was very privileged to coach disciplined and hardworking players. The girls motivated me to work harder and became a united family. About 80% of the girls were scouted and now play professional football outside Kenya,” he said.
In the same year, he was appointed head coach of women’s side Vihiga Queens and led them to win the inaugural CAF Women's Champions League-CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in 2021 when the competition was held in Nairobi. Upon completing his tenure, the 42-year-old returned to Tusker FC as the Youth Team head coach.
The soft-spoken coach continued to advance his education, excelling in the six-month-long CAF A diploma course where he topped his class.
“It is a great feeling to top the class, but most importantly, to qualify with the CAF A diploma. The class consisted of elite coaches and instructors, and we learned a lot from each other.”
Okere praised FKF for the coaching programs regularly conducted in different parts of the country. “It is good because now we have a pool of trained coaches at all levels, raising our football standards both locally and internationally.”
For his efforts, Okere was appointed interim head coach of Tusker FC after the club parted ways with Matano. Rumors suggest the club is considering a foreign coach, but Okere might just be confirmed to lead the team. The coaching journey has not been easy, as Okere explains.
“Coaching infrastructure is a big challenge, especially with community teams where there are insufficient grounds, match balls, and other tools. We are thus forced to improvise. It is also challenging to deal with competing egos in the dressing room, but we always find a way to manage that. As is the nature of the job worldwide, it has no job security, as the doors might sometimes revolve faster than you thought.”
Okere's rise has been a slow but steady journey marked by resilience and hard work. He is an inspiration to young and upcoming coaches to pursue excellence. He is currently in Uganda with Tusker FC for pre-season.
