Former AFC Leopards coach, Jan Koops says he is in Kenya to stay after shifting residence from Mumias to Busia.
The Dutchman was speaking after Caroline Rebecca Awinja, a Busia-based Ingwe fan, offered to accommodate him as part of her family in recognition of the role he played in rescuing the club from relegation in 2010.
"This I cannot take for granted. I am here to stay and returning to my native country, The Netherlands is now a pipe dream," Koops said.
The 80-year old is one of AFC Leopards' most successful coaches in the past decade when he took the club from position 13 in 2009 to second place in 2012 in the Kenya Premier League.
AFC Leopards once again finished second in 2013 courtesy of players, most of whom had been given their first starts by Koops.
His short stint also includes the last time Ingwe dominated their bitter rivals Gor Mahia.
Twin 3-0 wins over K'Ogalo in the league as well as the 2011 Peace Cup endeared the Dutchman to fans, further cemented by a 1-1 draw in the league return fixture.
Commenting on local football, Koops admitted that the country has good local coaches, singling out Nairobi City Stars' Nicholas Muyoti, whom he said has what it takes to coach the national team, Harambee Stars.
Awinja's daughter, Tracy Mercyline Apopo, asked Football Kenya Federation to help trace Koops' family in the Netherlands so that they are aware of his whereabouts.
"Although the coach is relying on his meagre pension to sustain his livelihood, I appeal to the football fraternity to offer support in recognition of his contribution to nurturing talents in the country," she said.
