National
Super League outfit Darajani Gogo head coach Andrew Ongwae has ditched the club
for SportPesa League side Shabana.
Ongwae will
serve as a second assistant to head coach Peter Okidi. The club is still looking
for the first assistant coach to replace Barnard Mwalala, who has joined SportPesa
League side Bandari. Ongwae was appointed on the recommendation of Okidi.
Former
Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor is a leading candidate for
the post of first assistant coach after initially declining the post in the
year 2014. He was appointed the then-coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s assistant,
but did not report.
On Saturday,
Shabana secretary general Elizaphan Kerama confirmed the acquisition of the
experienced CAF B license holder, who returns to the Glamour Boys, where he
served as a player and assistant coach.
Ongwae will
be unveiled and introduced to players before Shabana takes on Nairobi United on
Sunday afternoon at Gusii Stadium. “Ongwae brings valuable experience,
discipline, and a strong commitment to player development and team performance,”
remarked Kerama.
He added: “His
appointment is part of our continued efforts to strengthen the technical bench
and enhance the club’s competitiveness this season.”
Shabana will
make a significant number of new signings in the mid-season transfer window,
which runs from January 12 to February 9. According to a source, the club is
likely to make six signings as the Glamour Boys seek their maiden top-tier
league title.
Ongwae was
appointed Darajani Gogo head coach at the beginning of the season, taking over
from Paul Ogai, who quit the second-tier side for SportPesa League side KCB.
Ogai serves as an assistant to veteran Robert Matano at KCB. Previously, Ongwae,
a former defender coaches defunct outfits Gusii FC, Vihiga Bullets, and Samwest
Blackboots.
During his heydays,
Ongwae played for Agro Chemicals, Muhoroni Youth, Shabana, and Gor Mahia, among
other clubs.
