Aussems sets tough agenda as Nairobi United begin new era

Fresh from taking charge of Nairobi United, Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems has moved quickly to map out an ambitious plan to turn the club's breakthrough campaign into long-term success.

The former AFC Leopards coach has identified player retention and early recruitment as the cornerstones of his strategy ahead of the new SportPesa Premier League season.

In his inaugural meeting with the board and technical team on Tuesday, Aussems delivered a firm message that speed and decisiveness would be crucial in the transfer window.

The Belgian believes swift decisions on contract renewals and targeted signings will be crucial if the club is to build on last season's remarkable achievements and establish itself as a genuine force in Kenyan football.

The experienced coach officially assumed control of the club this week after succeeding Godfrey 'Solo' Oduor, inheriting a side that exceeded expectations by finishing fourth in the league and winning the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup during a memorable campaign.

Protecting the spine of that successful squad has become Aussems' immediate priority, especially with several influential players attracting interest from wealthier clubs across the region.

"We don't want to lose our key players," Aussems said, making it clear that continuity will be vital if Nairobi United are to balance their domestic ambitions with the demands of continental football.

To safeguard that vision, the Belgian urged the club's management to move swiftly and secure the futures of players approaching the end of their contracts.

"Give him a contract so that he stays," Aussems said, insisting that rewarding key performers with improved deals is the surest way to maintain stability and preserve the chemistry that carried the team to success last season.

Despite his determination to retain the squad, Aussems acknowledged that football is a business and admitted the club should not prevent players from pursuing life-changing opportunities abroad.

"Wrong for us to stop him," he said, explaining that standing in the way of a player's career progression could damage morale and disrupt harmony within the dressing room.

Instead, he urged Nairobi United to adopt a pragmatic approach whenever major transfer offers arrive. "View it from a business perspective," Aussems said, arguing that proceeds from player sales can be reinvested to recruit fresh talent and strengthen the club's long-term future.

With pre-season preparations already underway, Aussems has also assumed direct responsibility for Nairobi United's recruitment drive alongside assistants Osborne Monday and Bonface Omondi Musa.

The Belgian is understood to have identified several transfer targets as he seeks to add quality and depth before the start of the new SportPesa Premier League season.

"Wasting no time," Aussems said of his hands-on involvement in the transfer window, emphasising that recruitment cannot be left to chance.

He warned that any delay in completing transfer business would give established rivals such as Gor Mahia, Kenya Police FC and Tusker FC an advantage in the race for the country's best available players.

"Move fast because time is running out," he urged, calling on the club's leadership to act decisively before the transfer window gathers pace.

Aussems' first days at Nairobi United have been defined by urgency, planning and clear direction. His message to the board has been straightforward: retain the team's best players, strengthen wisely and build a squad capable of competing for honours.

With expectations rising after last season's historic achievements, the Belgian believes close cooperation between the technical bench and the boardroom will be essential if Nairobi United are to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the SportPesa Premier League while making a lasting impression on the continental stage.