Zico bounces back with big move to Tanzania after Gor Mahia exit
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 24.07.25. | 09:59
His appointment comes on the back of a disappointing campaign with Gor Mahia, where he was dismissed alongside his entire technical bench after a trophyless season
Former Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has landed a new coaching role at Tanzania Prisons FC, marking a swift return to management just three weeks after parting ways with the Kenyan giants.
The experienced tactician was officially unveiled on Wednesday evening by the Mbeya-based club, becoming the latest Kenyan coach to venture into Tanzanian football.
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The move represents Zico’s first foray into coaching outside Kenya and signals a fresh chapter for the former KCB and Harambee Stars assistant coach.
Zico takes over from Amani Josiah, who was dismissed following a challenging 2023/24 season that saw Tanzania Prisons narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The club finished 13th in the 16-team league, collecting 31 points, just eight above the drop zone and 15 ahead of bottom-placed KenGold.
With the new Tanzanian top-flight season looming, the club is banking on the Kenyan coach’s vast experience and tactical nous to deliver results and restore competitive edge.
Zico’s appointment comes on the back of a disappointing campaign with Gor Mahia, where he was dismissed alongside his entire technical bench after a trophyless season—an unprecedented outcome for the record 21-time champions.
Under his watch, Gor Mahia failed to defend their league crown, which was instead clinched by Kenya Police FC, and suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Nairobi United in the Mozzart Bet Cup final on 29June.
The double setback proved to be the final straw for a restless K’Ogalo faithful, whose calls for change led to sweeping managerial decisions.
It marked the first time since 2016 that the Green Army ended a season without any silverware.
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Now, with a clean slate, Zico’s Tanzanian adventure offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and prove his pedigree beyond Kenyan borders.
He becomes the second Kenyan tactician to coach the Tanzanian side, which had earlier homed 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup title-winning coach Patrick Odhiambo.
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